JP7448462B2 - Transport method and cleaning device for items to be cleaned - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a method for transporting objects to be washed, such as tableware, and a cleaning device for washing objects to be washed.

Conventionally, the following methods and cleaning devices for transporting objects to be cleaned are known.

The dishwashing device described in Patent Document 1 is a dishwashing device that sprays washing water from below onto the dishes transported by a conveyor serving as a transporting means to wash the dishes. A holding part, which is an endless conveyor, is provided above the conveyor to hold down the tableware being transported by the conveyor. By driving the conveyor and the holding part in synchronization, the holding part holds down the tableware being transported by the conveyor. Washing water sprayed from below the tableware prevents the tableware from tipping over or being blown away.

Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2012-170632

However, in the dishwashing apparatus described in Patent Document 1, when cleaning the washing chamber or the holding part, or when performing maintenance such as removing the holding part and replacing it due to damage, a tool is used to clean the washing chamber and the holding part. Another problem was that it could not be attached or detached without partially disassembling the holding part.

The present invention has been made in view of the above-mentioned problems, and an object of the present invention is to prevent objects to be cleaned from falling over or being blown away by which cleaning water is sprayed, and to facilitate cleaning and maintenance of the inside of the cleaning chamber. do.

In order to achieve the above object, a method for transporting objects to be cleaned according to the present invention includes:
a carry-in step of carrying the object to be cleaned placed on the conveyor into the cleaning chamber from the carry-in port of the cleaning device;
The object to be cleaned carried into the cleaning chamber in the carrying-in step is covered by a holding means which is removably fixed to the cleaning device at the upstream side in the conveyance direction of the object above the conveyor, and the object to be cleaned is A presser step that presses from above,
an engaging step in which a weight portion provided on the pressing means that has moved upward by covering the object to be cleaned due to the pressing step engages with an engaging portion provided above the weight portion;
a cleaning step of spraying cleaning water onto the object to be cleaned being transported by the conveyor in a state in which the weight portion is engaged with the engaging portion in the engaging step;
It is characterized by including.

Furthermore, in order to achieve the above object, the cleaning device according to the present invention includes:
A cleaning device that cleans objects to be cleaned by spraying cleaning water stored in a tank in a cleaning chamber,
a conveyor for placing objects to be cleaned and conveying them in the conveying direction in the cleaning chamber;
Provided above the conveyor, it is lifted upward by covering the object to be cleaned conveyed by the conveyor, and presses the object to be cleaned from above in a shape along the upper surface side of the object to be cleaned, at least in the direction of conveyance of the object to be cleaned. a pressing means detachably fixed to the cleaning device on the upstream end side;
a weight portion provided so that the mass applied to the object to be cleaned that is pressed by the pressing means is greater at a location where the cleaning water is sprayed onto the object to be cleaned than at a location where the cleaning water is not sprayed;
Equipped with
When a part of the pressing means covers the object to be cleaned and is lifted upward at a location where the washing water is sprayed onto the object to be cleaned, the weight portion provided on the pressing means that has been lifted upward engages. The invention is characterized in that it further includes an engaging part.

According to the method for transporting objects to be cleaned and the cleaning device according to the present invention, it is possible to prevent objects to be cleaned from being sprayed with washing water from falling over or being blown away, and to facilitate cleaning and maintenance of the inside of the cleaning chamber. can.

1 is a front view schematically showing a cleaning device according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 3 is an external view showing the configuration of a conveyance means used in the cleaning device, in which (a) is a plan view of the conveyor, and (b) is a front view of the conveyor. FIG. 3 is an external view showing the configuration of a pressing means used in the cleaning device, in which (a) is a plan view of the first pressing means, and (b) is a front view of the first pressing means. FIG. 3 is an external view showing the configuration of a pressing means used in the cleaning device, in which (a) is a plan view of the second pressing means, and (b) is a front view of the second pressing means. FIG. 3 is an external view showing the configuration of a weight section used in the cleaning device, in which (a) is a plan view of the weight section, and (b) is a front view of the second pressing means and the weight section. The structure of the engaging part used for the said washing|cleaning apparatus is shown, (a) is a top view of the engaging part, (b) is a front view of the 2nd holding|suppressing means, a weight part, and an engaging part. FIG. 3 is a plan view showing the configuration of an engaging part and a hook part used in the cleaning device. The front view which shows the structure of the 2nd holding|suppressing means, a weight part, an engaging part, and a hanging part used for the said washing|cleaning apparatus. FIG. 7 is a plan view showing the configuration of a weight part and an engaging part used in the washing device, and showing the configuration in a state where the second pressing means does not cover the tableware. FIG. 6 is an external view showing the configuration of a holding device used in the cleaning device, in which (a) is a plan view of the third holding device, and (b) is a front view of the third holding device. Of the method for transporting objects to be cleaned in the cleaning apparatus, (a) is a schematic front view showing a state in a holding step, and (b) is a schematic front view showing a state in an engaging step and a second cleaning step. and (c) is a schematic front view showing the state immediately before finishing the engagement step and the second cleaning step. FIG. 7 is a front view showing detailed movements in an engagement step and a second cleaning step in the method of transporting the object to be cleaned in the cleaning device. FIG. 7 is a front view showing detailed movements in an engagement step and a second cleaning step in the method of transporting the object to be cleaned in the cleaning device. FIG. 3 is a front sectional view (hatching omitted) showing the configuration of a two-fluid injection nozzle used in Modification 1 of the present invention.

The first invention is
a carry-in step of carrying the object to be cleaned placed on the conveyor into the cleaning chamber from the carry-in port of the cleaning device;
The object to be cleaned carried into the cleaning chamber in the carrying-in step is covered by a holding means which is removably fixed to the cleaning device at the upstream side in the conveying direction of the object above the conveyor, and the object to be cleaned is A presser step that presses from above,
an engaging step in which a weight portion provided on the pressing means that has moved upward by covering the object to be cleaned due to the pressing step engages with an engaging portion provided above the weight portion;
a cleaning step of spraying cleaning water onto the object to be cleaned being transported by the conveyor in a state in which the weight portion is engaged with the engaging portion in the engaging step;
A method for transporting an object to be cleaned, the method comprising:

According to this method for conveying the object to be cleaned, the holding means, which is detachably fixed to the cleaning device at the upstream side of the object to be cleaned in the conveying direction, covers the object to be cleaned, so that the cleaning water that presses the object to be cleaned from above is sprayed. In addition to preventing the object to be cleaned from falling over or being blown away, it also stabilizes the posture of the object to be cleaned and sprays cleaning water to the intended location of the object to be cleaned, making it possible to effectively clean the object. .

Furthermore, the holding means attached to the cleaning device can be easily attached and detached to facilitate cleaning and maintenance of the cleaning chamber.

The pressing means, the weight part, and the engaging part are preferably deformable by, for example, bending. In this way, even if dishes of different heights are transported, the holding means can cover the dishes and flexibly form a shape that follows the top surface of the dishes, making it possible to hold the dishes more reliably. .

The weight portion may be attached separately from the pressing means or may be incorporated into the pressing means. For example, the weight portion may have a shape that covers the pressing means or a structure that is incorporated into the pressing means.

"The weight part engages with the engaging part provided above the weight part" means, for example, that this is achieved by a part of the weight part engaging with a part of the engaging part. do.

In the second invention, in the first invention,
Multiple lanes are formed in a direction perpendicular to the transport direction of the object to be cleaned,
In the holding step, the method for conveying the object to be cleaned is characterized in that a pressing means covers and presses the object to be cleaned in the plurality of lanes.

This makes it possible to increase the number and types of objects to be cleaned that can be effectively cleaned per unit time, compared to the case where there is only one lane for transporting objects to be cleaned.

Normally, when there are multiple lanes, if a holding part, which is an endless conveyor, is provided for each lane, the configuration of the equipment becomes complicated, and furthermore, it becomes even more difficult to remove the holding part from the cleaning chamber. The invention solves this problem.

In the third invention,
A cleaning device that cleans objects to be cleaned by spraying cleaning water stored in a tank in a cleaning chamber,
a conveyor for placing objects to be cleaned and conveying them in the conveying direction in the cleaning chamber;
Provided above the conveyor, it is lifted upward by covering the object to be cleaned conveyed by the conveyor, and presses the object to be cleaned from above in a shape along the upper surface side of the object to be cleaned, at least in the direction of conveyance of the object to be cleaned. a pressing means detachably fixed to the cleaning device on the upstream end side;
a weight portion provided so that the mass applied to the object to be cleaned that is pressed by the holding means is greater at a location where the cleaning water is sprayed onto the object to be cleaned, compared to a location where the cleaning water is not sprayed;
Equipped with
When a portion of the pressing means covers the object to be cleaned and is lifted upward at a location where the washing water is sprayed onto the object to be cleaned, the weight portion provided on the pressing means that has been lifted upward engages. The cleaning device further includes an engaging portion for engaging the user.

According to this cleaning device, the weight part and the engaging part engage with each other at the location where the cleaning water is sprayed, and this prevents the object to be cleaned from falling over or being blown away, and the posture of the object to be cleaned is adjusted. The cleaning water can be stably sprayed onto the intended location of the object to be cleaned, thereby effectively cleaning the object.

Furthermore, the holding means attached to the cleaning device can be easily attached and detached to facilitate cleaning and maintenance of the cleaning chamber.

In the fourth invention, in the third invention,
Covering at least a part of the weight portion from above the pressing means,
The cleaning device is characterized in that at least a part of the weight part that covers the pressing means is connected to the pressing means.

Thereby, the object to be cleaned can be held down more effectively.

For example, the entire weight portion may be covered by the pressing means, or only a portion of the weight portion may be covered by the pressing means, and the covered portion may be connected to the pressing means.

In the fifth invention, in the fourth invention,
This cleaning device is characterized in that the end portion of the weight portion is connected to a pressing means on the upstream side in the conveyance direction of the object to be cleaned.

As a result, the shape of the pressing means at the part covered by the weight part follows the object to be cleaned, and even if the shape of the part to be cleaned is tilted downward toward the downstream side in the conveyance direction, the shape of the pressing means at the part covered by the weight part is maintained. Cleaning water can be sprayed onto the object to be cleaned.

In the sixth invention, in the third invention,
The cleaning device is characterized in that at least a part of the weight portion is a weight incorporated in a pressing means.

As a result, even if the holding means in the part where the weight part is installed has a shape that follows the object to be cleaned, the holding means in the part where the weight part is installed will remain in the state of holding down the object to be cleaned. Cleaning water can be sprayed.

For example, all of the weight portions may be incorporated in the pressing means, or only some of the weight portions may be incorporated and the other weight portions may be placed over the pressing means.

In a seventh invention, in any one of the third to sixth inventions,
Multiple lanes are formed in the direction perpendicular to the transport direction of the object to be cleaned,
Each of the plurality of lanes is provided with a holding means for holding down the plurality of objects to be cleaned conveyed in the plurality of lanes, and a weight portion provided so as to increase the mass applied to the objects to be washed held by the holding means. This is a cleaning device with special features.

This makes it possible to increase the number and types of objects to be cleaned that can be effectively cleaned per unit time, compared to the case where there is only one lane for transporting objects to be cleaned.

In the eighth invention, in the seventh invention,
An engaging portion is provided for each of the plurality of lanes provided with pressing means,
The engaging portion provided in at least one lane among the plurality of lanes,
The cleaning device is characterized in that the cleaning device is fixed to the cleaning device at a different height from the engaging portions provided in other lanes.

Thereby, it is possible to transport objects to be cleaned that have greatly different shapes through the plurality of lanes, and it is possible to simultaneously wash a greater number of types of objects to be cleaned.

In a ninth invention, in any one of the third to eighth inventions,
This cleaning device is characterized in that the engaging portion is removably latched to a latching portion provided within the cleaning chamber.

As a result, even if dirt components from the object to be cleaned are attached to the engaging part, the engaging part can be taken out from the cleaning chamber and washed, and can be used cleanly.

(Embodiment 1)
(Basic configuration of cleaning equipment)
First, the basic configuration of the cleaning device 1 of the present invention will be explained.

Hereinafter, in one embodiment of the present invention, the cleaning apparatus 1 will be described using tableware (objects to be cleaned) W such as plates and bowls as an example of the objects to be cleaned.

(Overview of cleaning equipment)
As shown schematically in FIG. 1, the cleaning device 1 includes:
a conveyor (conveying means) 10 that conveys the placed tableware W in the conveying direction from the loading port 5 to the loading port 6;
At least an end on the upstream side in the conveying direction of the tableware W, which is provided above the conveyor 10 and lifts up by covering the tableware W being conveyed by the conveyor 10 and presses the tableware W from above in a shape along the upper surface side of the tableware W. The cleaning device 1, specifically, the first cleaning chamber (cleaning chamber) 80, the second cleaning chamber (cleaning chamber) 90, and the final rinsing chamber (cleaning chamber) 100 are each detachably fixed to the cleaning device 1 on the side of the cleaning section. A first pressing means (pressing means) 20, a second pressing means (pressing means) 30, and a third pressing means (pressing means) 70,
a weight portion 40 provided so that the mass applied to the tableware W held by the second pressing means 30 is greater at a portion where washing water is sprayed onto the tableware W than at a portion where washing water is not sprayed;
A first upper washing nozzle (nozzle) 85, a first lower washing nozzle (nozzle) 86, and a second lower washing nozzle (nozzle) 95 that spray washing water onto the dishes W transported by the conveyor 10 to wash them. and,
An upper finish rinsing nozzle (nozzle) 105 and a lower finish rinsing nozzle (nozzle) 106 that spray finish rinsing water onto the dishes W that are conveyed by the conveyor 10 and are washed with the washing water to perform a final rinse;
Equipped with.

Further, in the washing device 1, when a part of the second pressing means 30 covers the tableware W at a location where the washing water is sprayed onto the tableware W and is lifted upward, the second pressing means 30 is lifted upward. The device further includes an engaging portion 50 that is engaged with a weight portion 40 provided on the portion 30 .

(Configuration of cleaning device)
More specifically, the cleaning device 1 includes, for example, a box-shaped outer shell 2, a frame 3, a decorative board 4, an entrance 5, and an exit 6. The outer body 2 is provided with a door that can be opened to communicate the inside and outside of the cleaning device 1. The decorative board 4 made of a thin stainless steel plate or the like is removable from the frame 3 that constitutes the basic skeleton.

The inside of the outer shell 2 is divided into, for example, a first cleaning chamber 80, a second cleaning chamber 90, and a final rinsing chamber 100 as cleaning chambers.

Furthermore, an endless conveyor 10 is provided as a conveying means from the carry-in port 5 to the carry-out port 6. The tableware W is placed on the upper surface of the conveyor 10, which is the conveyance surface, in a face down state with the front surface, which is the eating surface, facing downward. The tableware W carried in face down from the carrying-in port 5 is carried out from the carrying-out port 6 by the conveyor 10 at a predetermined speed through the first washing chamber 80, the second washing chamber 90, and the final rinsing chamber 100.

(Configuration of first cleaning chamber, second cleaning chamber and final rinsing chamber)
As shown in FIG. 1, below the conveyor 10 of the first cleaning chamber 80, there is a first cleaning tank (tank) 82 in which cleaning water is stored and a first cleaning pump (pump) that pressurizes the cleaning water. 83 is provided.

Washing water pressurized by the first washing pump 83 passes through a first washing pipe (piping) 84 arranged in the first washing chamber 80 and is placed above the first holding means 20. Conveyed by the conveyor 10 from a first upper cleaning nozzle 85 and a first lower cleaning nozzle 86 provided below the first pressing means 20 and below the conveying surface of the conveyor 10 on which the tableware W is conveyed. The liquid is sprayed toward the tableware W at a predetermined pressure.

Similarly, below the conveyor 10 in the second cleaning chamber 90, a second cleaning tank (tank) 92 in which cleaning water is stored and a second cleaning pump (pump) 93 that pressurizes the cleaning water are provided. ing. The second cleaning pump 93 is one that can pressurize the cleaning water at a higher pressure than the first cleaning pump 83 in the first cleaning chamber 80 .

The cleaning water pressurized by the second cleaning pump 93 passes through a second cleaning pipe (piping) 94 disposed in the second cleaning chamber 90 and reaches below the second pressing means 30. A predetermined pressure is ejected from a second lower washing nozzle 95 provided below the conveyance surface of the conveyor 10 on which the tableware W is conveyed, toward the tableware W conveyed on the conveyor 10.

Similarly, below the conveyor 10 in the finish rinse chamber 100, a finish rinse tank (tank) 102 in which finish rinse water is stored and a finish rinse pump (pump) 103 that pressurizes the finish rinse water are provided.

The finish rinse water pressurized by the finish rinse pump 103 passes through the finish rinse piping (piping) 104 arranged in the finish rinse chamber 100 and reaches the finish rinse upper nozzle provided above the third holding means 70. 105, and a finish rinsing lower nozzle 106 provided below the conveyor surface of the conveyor 10 on which the tableware W is conveyed, which is below the third pressing means 70, is directed toward the tableware W conveyed by the conveyor 10 at a predetermined pressure. It is designed to be sprayed.

(Conveyor configuration)
As shown in an enlarged view in FIG. 2, the conveyor 10 has a plurality of connecting plates 12, collars 14, and moving rollers 15 rotatably attached to connecting rods 11 arranged at a predetermined pitch in the conveying direction of tableware W. It is inserted. By fastening both ends of the connecting rod 11 in the direction orthogonal to the conveyance direction of the tableware W with the connecting pins 13, the plurality of connecting plates 12, collars 14, and moving rollers 15 are configured not to fall off from the connecting rod 11. ing.

The connecting rods 11 and the connecting plates 12 are arranged in a grid pattern and have openings large enough to prevent the tableware W from falling, through which the cleaning water sprayed from below the conveyance surface of the conveyor 10 passes. , so as to sufficiently collide with the tableware W. Thereby, the dishes W and the conveyor 10 itself can be washed with the sprayed washing water. Further, the conveyor 10 is rotated by a drive means such as a motor (not shown), and the tableware W is conveyed on a conveyance surface that is the upper surface side of the rotating conveyor 10 .

Note that an upwardly convex portion may be provided on the side of the connection plate 12 that becomes the conveyance surface of the conveyor 10 on which the tableware W is placed. Thereby, the tableware W placed on the conveyance surface of the conveyor 10 can be hooked upstream of the tableware W placed on the conveyance surface, and the tableware W placed on the conveyance surface can be stably conveyed. Further, the tableware W can be stably transported against the force of pressing the tableware W from above by the first pressing means 20, the second pressing means 30, and the third pressing means 70, which will be described later.

Traveling rollers 15 are disposed at both ends of the conveyor 10 in a direction orthogonal to the conveyance direction of the tableware W. The conveyor 10 has a conveyor rail 7 that extends substantially horizontally in the transport direction of the tableware W from the carry-in port 5 to the carry-out port 6 of the cleaning device 1, and has a rectangular cross-sectional shape in a direction perpendicular to the direction of transport of the tableware W, for example. A driving roller 15 is placed thereon. Then, by driving the driving means of the conveyor 10, the running rollers 15 of the conveyor 10 roll on the upper surface of the conveyor rail 7, and the conveyor 10 is driven in the direction of transporting the tableware W.

Furthermore, the conveyor 10 is a so-called double-pitch chain, in which the connecting plates 12 are longer and the pitch of the connecting rods 11 is twice that of a standard chain. Thereby, when the washing water is sprayed from below the conveyor 10, the sprayed washing water can easily pass through the conveyor 10, and the eating surface of the face-down tableware W can be washed more effectively. A first pressing means 20, a second pressing means 30, a weight portion 40, an engaging portion 50, and a third pressing means 70, which will be described later, are similarly constructed of double-pitch chains.

(Configuration of first pressing means)
As shown in FIG. 1, when washing water is sprayed from the first upper washing nozzle 85 and the first lower washing nozzle 86 into the first washing chamber 80, the dishes W transported by the conveyor 10 are stored inside the first washing chamber 80. In order to prevent the conveyor from falling over or being blown away, a first holding means 20 is installed above the conveyor 10.

As shown in an enlarged view in FIG. 3, the first pressing means 20 includes a plurality of connecting plates 22, a collar 24, and a resin roller attached to a connecting rod 21 arranged at a predetermined pitch in the conveying direction of the tableware W. 21a is rotatably inserted therethrough. By fastening both ends of the connecting rod 21 in the direction orthogonal to the transport direction of the tableware W with the connecting pins 23, the plurality of connecting plates 22, collars 24, and rollers 21a are prevented from falling off the connecting rod 21. It is composed of

The connection plate 22 is a substantially rectangular plate-like member, and both longitudinal ends thereof are rounded. Further, both ends of the connecting plate 22 in the longitudinal direction have holes through which the connecting rods 21 are inserted. By inserting the connecting rods 21 into the respective holes of the connecting plate 22, the connecting rods 21 are arranged at a predetermined pitch in the transport direction.

As shown in FIG. 3(a), the connecting rods 21 and the connecting plates 22 are arranged in a lattice shape, and a plurality of connecting plates 22, collars 24, and resin rollers 21a are arranged inside the lattice shape. will be established. A locking portion 25 is provided on the connection plate 22 at the upstream end of the first pressing means 20 shown in FIG.

Although not shown in detail, the locking part 25, which is the upstream end of the first holding means 20 in the transport direction of the tableware W, is used for cleaning in the cleaning apparatus 1, specifically, in the first cleaning chamber 80. The holding means locking part 81 provided at a position higher than the height of the tableware W is locked by a known locking method, for example, by using the locking part 25 as a round bar and the holding means locking part 81 as a notched recess. The configuration is such that The downstream end of the first pressing means 20 in the conveyance direction is placed as a free end so as to hang down on the conveyor 10.

Note that the locking portion 25 and the holding means locking portion 81 are not limited to a structure in which they are locked with a round bar and a notched recess, but may have any structure as long as they are detachably fixed. For example, the locking part 25 may be a hook, and the locking part 25 may be hooked onto the pressing means locking part 81, which is a bar-shaped member, or the locking part 25 and the pressing means locking part 81 may be attracted by magnetic force. It is also possible.

The holding means locking portion 81 may be provided inside the first cleaning chamber 80 or may be provided on the outer shell 2 or the frame 3 located at the entrance 5. In other words, essentially any configuration is possible as long as the first pressing means 20 can be detachably attached to the cleaning device 1.

Further, since the outer diameter of the resin roller 21a of the first pressing means 20 shown in FIG. 3(b) is larger than the vertical width of the connecting plate 22, the first pressing means 20 covers the tableware W. At times, the roller 21a comes into contact with the back side of the tableware W.

When the tableware W covered by the first pressing means 20 is conveyed in the conveying direction, the roller 21a rotates to prevent friction or catching between the first pressing means 20 and the tableware W as much as possible. It is configured to reduce the number of scratches on the tableware W being transported and to suppress the tableware W from getting caught on the first holding means 20 and falling over.

(Configuration of second pressing means)
As shown in FIG. 1, in the second washing chamber 90, when washing water is sprayed from the second lower washing nozzle 95, the dishes W being conveyed by the conveyor 10 may fall or be blown away. In order to prevent this, a second pressing means 30 is installed above the conveyor 10.

As shown in an enlarged view in FIG. 4, the second pressing means 30 includes a plurality of connecting plates 32, a collar 34, and a resin roller. 31a is rotatably inserted therethrough. By fastening both ends of the connecting rod 31 in the direction orthogonal to the conveyance direction of the tableware W with connecting pins 33, the plurality of connecting plates 32, collars 34, and rollers 31a are configured not to fall off from the connecting rod 31. There is.

The connection plate 32 is a substantially rectangular plate-like member, and both longitudinal ends thereof are rounded. Furthermore, both ends of the connecting plate 32 in the longitudinal direction have holes through which the connecting rods 31 are inserted. By inserting the connecting rods 31 into the respective holes of the connecting plate 32, the connecting rods 31 are arranged at a predetermined pitch in the transport direction.

As shown in FIG. 4(a), the connecting rods 31 and the connecting plates 32 are arranged in a lattice shape, and a plurality of connecting plates 32, collars 34, and resin rollers 31a are arranged inside the lattice shape. will be established. A locking portion 35 is provided on the connection plate 32 at the upstream end of the second pressing means 30 shown in FIG.

Although not shown in detail, the locking part 35, which is the upstream end of the second holding means 30 in the transport direction of the tableware W, is used for cleaning in the cleaning apparatus 1, specifically, in the second cleaning chamber 90. The holding means locking portion 91 provided at a position higher than the height of the tableware W is locked by a known locking method, for example, by using the locking portion 35 as a round bar and the pressing means locking portion 91 as a notched recess. The configuration is such that The downstream end of the second pressing means 30 in the conveyance direction is placed as a free end so as to hang down on the conveyor 10.

Note that the locking portion 35 and the holding means locking portion 91 are not limited to the structure in which they are locked with a round bar and a notched recess, but may have any structure as long as they are detachably fixed. For example, the locking portion 35 may be a hook, and the locking portion 35 may be hooked onto and locked by the pressing means locking portion 91, which is a bar-shaped member, or the locking portion 35 and the pressing means locking portion 91 may be attracted by magnetic force. It is also possible. In other words, essentially any configuration is possible as long as the second pressing means 30 can be detachably attached to the cleaning device 1.

Further, since the outer diameter of the resin roller 31a of the second pressing means 30 shown in FIG. 4(b) is larger than the vertical width of the connecting plate 32, the second pressing means 30 covers the tableware W. At times, the roller 31a comes into contact with the back side of the tableware W.

When the tableware W covered by the second pressing means 30 is conveyed in the conveying direction, the roller 31a rotates to prevent friction or catching between the second pressing means 30 and the tableware W as much as possible. It is configured to reduce the number of scratches on the tableware W being transported and to suppress the tableware W from getting caught on the second holding means 30 and falling over.

(Configuration of weight part)
As shown in FIG. 1, a weight portion 40 is provided above the second pressing means 30. As shown in FIG.

As shown in an enlarged view in FIG. 5(a), the weight section 40 includes a plurality of connection plates 42, a central collar 44, an end portion A collar 45 and a weight 46 made of metal, for example, are rotatably inserted therethrough. Then, by fastening both ends of the connecting rod 41 in the direction orthogonal to the conveying direction of the tableware W with the connecting pins 43, the end collar 45 inserted so as to place the center collar 44 in the center and sandwich the weight 46 is inserted. , so that it does not fall off from both sides of the connecting rod 41.

As shown in FIG. 5(b), the center collar 44 and the end collars 45 are formed to be larger than the width of the connection plate 42 in the vertical direction, and protrude at least above the connection plate 42. Note that the weight 46 may also be configured to protrude at least above the connection plate 42.

The connection plate 42 is a substantially rectangular plate-like member, and both longitudinal ends thereof are rounded. Furthermore, both ends of the connecting plate 42 in the longitudinal direction have holes through which the connecting rods 41 are inserted. By inserting the connecting rods 41 through the respective holes of the connecting plate 42, the connecting rods 41 are arranged at a predetermined pitch in the transport direction.

The predetermined pitch of the connecting rods 41 is such that the center collar 44, the end collar 45, and the weight 46 that are inserted through the connecting rod 41 are the same as the center collar 44, the end collar 45, and the weight 46 that are inserted through the adjacent connecting rods 41, respectively. and the weight 46 so as to have a predetermined gap.

Further, as shown in FIG. 5(a), the connecting plate 42 located at the upstream end of the weight portion 40 in the transport direction of the tableware W has a connecting rod 41 inserted into one hole, and the connecting rod 41 is inserted into one hole. ), the connecting rod 31 of the second pressing means 30 is inserted into the other hole. With this configuration, the weight part 40 is connected to the second pressing means 30 via the connection plate 42 provided at the upstream end of the weight part 40 in the transport direction of the tableware W. The downstream end of the weight portion 40 in the transport direction is placed on the second pressing means 30 as a free end.

(Configuration of engaging part)
As shown in FIG. 1, an engaging portion 50 is provided further above the weight portion 40.

As shown in an enlarged view in FIG. 6(a), the engaging portion 50 includes a plurality of connecting plates 52, a central collar 54, an end collar 54, a connecting rod 51 disposed at a predetermined pitch in the transport direction of the tableware W, A collar 55 and a weight 56 made of metal, for example, are rotatably inserted therethrough. Then, by fastening both ends of the connecting rod 51 in the direction orthogonal to the conveyance direction of the tableware W with the connecting pins 53, the end collar 55, which is inserted so as to sandwich the weight 56 with the center collar 54 in the center, is fixed. , to prevent it from falling off from both sides of the connecting rod 51.

As shown in FIG. 6(b), the center collar 54 and the end collars 55 are formed to be larger than the vertical width of the connecting plate 52, and protrude at least below the connecting plate 52. Note that the weight 56 may also be configured to protrude at least below the connection plate 52.

The connection plate 52 is a substantially rectangular plate-like member, and both longitudinal ends thereof are rounded. Further, both ends of the connecting plate 52 in the longitudinal direction have holes through which the connecting rods 51 are inserted. By inserting the connecting rods 51 through the respective holes of the connecting plate 52, the connecting rods 51 are arranged at a predetermined pitch in the transport direction.

The predetermined pitch of the connecting rods 51 is such that the center collar 54, the end collar 55, and the weight 56 that are inserted through the connecting rod 51 are the same as the center collar 54, the end collar 55, and the weight 56 that are inserted through the adjacent connecting rods 51, respectively. and the weight 56 so as to have a predetermined gap.

In addition, a hole on a side different from the hole through which the connecting rod 51 is inserted, of each connecting plate 52 located at the upstream end and the downstream end of the engaging portion 50 in the conveyance direction of the tableware W. A locking bar 57 in the shape of a round rod is inserted therethrough.

Although the hanging bar 57 has a round bar shape, its cross-sectional shape is not limited, and may be rectangular, for example.

As shown in FIG. 6(b), a predetermined gap L in the vertical direction between the upper end of the connecting plate 42 of the weight part 40 and the lower end of the connecting plate 52 of the engaging part 50 is approximately 50 mm, for example. It is. This value corresponds to the height of the tableware W that is the lowest among the height dimensions of the tableware W to be washed, approximately 70 to 50 mm.

That is, in accordance with the lowest height of the tableware W to be washed, when a taller tableware W is transported, the engaging part 50 is lifted upward and the engaging part 50 covers the weight part 40. It takes shape. By adjusting the gap L at the predetermined interval to the height of the tableware W having the lowest height dimension of the tableware W to be washed in this manner, the tableware W can be reliably pressed from above. Note that the predetermined gap L is preferably adjusted by changing the position of the recess 61 of the hook 60, which will be described later, in accordance with the height of the tableware W to be washed.

Note that the predetermined gap L may be smaller than the height of the lowest tableware W among the tableware W to be washed. Further, the predetermined gap L is 0 mm, that is, the upper end of the connecting plate 42 of the weight part 40 and the lower end of the connecting plate 52 of the engaging part 50 are in contact with each other when the tableware W is not being conveyed. It's okay.

In that case, the tableware W slips between the second pressing means 30 and the conveyor 10, and the weight part 40 is deformed and lifted upward, so that the weight part 40 more reliably engages with the engaging part 50. It becomes like this.

(Configuration of the hook part)
As shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, two thin plate-like hooks 60 are provided above the weight portion 40 at intervals in a direction perpendicular to the transport direction of the tableware W. Each of the hooking parts 60 has a recessed part 61 cut out in the vertical direction on both sides of the upstream side and the downstream side in the transport direction of the tableware W. By hanging the latching bar 57 of the engaging part 50 in each recess 61 of each latching part 60, the engaging part 50 can be removably latched with the engaging part 50 positioned above the weight part 40. Can be done.

Note that the vertical position of the recess 61 of the hook 60 is preferably set according to the height of the tableware W to be washed. For example, when the tableware W slips between the second pressing means 30 and the conveyor 10 and the weight part 40 is deformed and lifted upward, the engaging part is located above the upper end of the connecting plate 42 of the weight part 40. The vertical position of the recess 61 is set so that the latching bar 57 of 50 is located.

(Third pressing means)
As shown in FIG. 1, when finishing rinsing water is sprayed from the upper finishing rinsing nozzle 105 and the lower finishing rinsing nozzle 106 in the finishing rinsing chamber 100, the tableware W being conveyed by the conveyor 10 falls over or is blown away. A third pressing means 70 is installed above the conveyor 10 in order to prevent the conveyor from falling out.

As shown in an enlarged view in FIG. 10, the third pressing means 70 includes a plurality of connecting plates 72, a collar 74, and a resin roller. 71a is rotatably inserted therethrough. By fastening both ends of the connecting rod 71 in the direction perpendicular to the conveying direction of the tableware W with the connecting pins 73, the plurality of connecting plates 72, collars 74, and rollers 71a are configured not to fall off from the connecting rod 71. There is.

The connection plate 72 is a substantially rectangular plate-like member, and both longitudinal ends thereof are rounded. Further, both ends of the connecting plate 72 in the longitudinal direction have holes through which the connecting rods 71 are inserted. By inserting the connecting rods 71 into the respective holes of the connecting plate 72, the connecting rods 71 are arranged at a predetermined pitch in the transport direction.

As shown in FIG. 10(a), the connecting rods 71 and the connecting plates 72 are arranged in a lattice shape, and a plurality of connecting plates 72, collars 74, and resin rollers 71a are arranged inside the lattice shape. will be established. A locking portion 75 is provided on the connection plate 72 at the upstream end of the third pressing means 70 shown in FIG.

Although not shown in detail, the locking portion 75, which is the upstream end of the third pressing means 70 in the transport direction of the tableware W, is configured to hold the tableware W to be washed in the washing apparatus 1, specifically, in the finish rinsing chamber 100. The holding means locking part 101 provided at a height higher than the height of the holding means locking part 101 is locked by a known locking method, for example, by using the locking part 75 as a round bar and the holding means locking part 101 as a notch-shaped recess. It is structured as follows. The downstream end of the third pressing means 70 in the conveyance direction is placed as a free end so as to hang down on the conveyor 10.

Note that the locking portion 75 and the holding means locking portion 101 are not limited to a structure in which they are locked by a round bar and a notched recess, but may have any structure as long as they are removably fixed. For example, the locking part 75 may be a hook, and the locking part 75 may be hooked onto the pressing means locking part 101, which is a bar-shaped member, or the locking part 75 and the pressing means locking part 101 may be attracted by magnetic force. It is also possible. In other words, essentially any configuration is possible as long as the third pressing means 70 can be detachably attached to the cleaning device 1.

Further, since the outer diameter of the resin roller 71a of the third pressing means 70 shown in FIG. 10(b) is larger than the vertical width of the connecting plate 72, the third pressing means 70 covers the tableware W. At times, the roller 71a comes into contact with the back side of the tableware W.

When the tableware W covered by the third pressing means 70 is conveyed in the conveying direction, the roller 71a rotates to prevent friction or catching between the third pressing means 70 and the tableware W as much as possible. It is configured to reduce the number of scratches on the tableware W being transported and to suppress the tableware W from getting caught on the third holding means 70 and falling over.

(Method of transporting items to be cleaned)
Next, a method for transporting tableware W as an object to be cleaned using the cleaning device 1 according to the present embodiment will be described.

(Summary of method for transporting items to be cleaned)
The method for transporting objects to be cleaned according to this embodiment is as follows:
a carrying-in step of carrying the tableware W from the carrying-in port 5 to the first washing chamber 80 by the conveyor 10 shown in FIG. 1;
A first washing step (washing step) in which the first washing of the tableware W is carried out while being conveyed by the conveyor 10 and held down from above by the first holding means 20 in the first washing chamber 80;
a pressing step of pressing the tableware W from above with the second pressing means 30 while being conveyed by the conveyor 10 in the second washing chamber 90;
In the second washing chamber 90, the weight part 40 moves upward via the second pressing means 30 and engages with the engaging part 50 while the tableware W is pressed from above by the pressing step. step and
In the second cleaning chamber 90, while being conveyed by the conveyor 10, the weight part 40 moves upward via the second pressing means 30 and engages with the engaging part 50, and then the second pressing means a second washing step (washing step) in which the second washing of the tableware W is carried out while holding the tableware W from above by the holder 30;
a final rinsing step in which the tableware W is subjected to a final rinse while being conveyed by the conveyor 10 and held down from above by the third holding means 70 in the final rinsing chamber 100;
a carrying out step of carrying out the tableware W from the finish rinsing chamber 100;
a cleaning step of cleaning the inside of the first cleaning chamber 80, the inside of the second cleaning chamber 90, the inside of the final rinsing chamber 100, and the members attached to the cleaning device 1;
has.

Next, each step will be specifically explained.

(Carry-in step)
First, a carry-in step is performed in which the conveyor 10 carries the tableware W from the carry-in port 5 to the first washing chamber 80 .

Specifically, as shown in FIG. 1, tableware W with the eating side of the tableware W facing downward, that is, tableware W lying face down, is placed on the conveyor 10, and the tableware W is placed on the conveyor 10 from the loading port 5. The tableware W is carried into the first washing chamber 80.

Note that before this carrying-in step begins, fresh water is supplied from, for example, a water supply pipe of equipment not shown, and the fresh water is stored in the first cleaning tank 82, the second cleaning tank 92, and the final rinsing tank 102. . The fresh water stored in the first cleaning tank 82 and the second cleaning tank 92 is heated to a predetermined temperature, for example, 55 to 70 degrees Celsius, using an electric heater or steam to produce cleaning water, and the water is stored in the final rinse tank 102. Do not heat the clean water, leave it at room temperature and use it as the final rinse water.

Further, the washing water at a predetermined temperature stored in the first washing tank 82 and the second washing tank 92 is supplied with a low-foaming or non-foaming detergent from a detergent supply device (not shown) to a predetermined detergent concentration. It may also be used as washing water.

(First cleaning step)
Next, a first washing step is performed in the first washing chamber 80 in which the first washing of the tableware W is carried out while the tableware W is being conveyed by the conveyor 10 and the tableware W is held down from above by the first pressing means 20. .

The tableware W carried into the first washing chamber 80 in the carry-in step lifts the first holding means 20 and slips between the conveyor 10 and the first holding means 20 while being conveyed by the conveyor 10. Then, the first pressing means 20 covers the tableware W while deforming along the shape.

In the first pressing means 20, a plurality of connecting plates 22, a collar 24, and a resin roller 21a are rotatably inserted through connecting rods 21 arranged at a predetermined pitch in the transport direction of the tableware W. . Thereby, when the first pressing means 20 covers the tableware W, it can cover the tableware W while being deformed so as to be bent along the shape of the tableware W conveyed downstream in the conveyance direction.

At this time, the first pressing means 20 slides on the tableware W being conveyed by the conveyor 10 on the surface opposite to the front side which is the eating surface side of the tableware W, that is, on the back side where the string ends are located. It is covered by the first pressing means 20. The first pressing means 20 presses the tableware W from above.

Then, washing water is sprayed from the first upper washing nozzle 85 and the first lower washing nozzle 86 onto the tableware W covered by the first pressing means 20, and the tableware W is washed. The pressure of the washing water sprayed onto the tableware W is, for example, about 0.1 MPa.

The washed tableware W is conveyed by the conveyor 10 to a position where the first upper cleaning nozzle 85 and the first lower cleaning nozzle 86 are not present, and from a position covered by the first pressing means 20 to a position not covered by the first pressing means 20. and is transported.

In this way, the tableware W being conveyed by the conveyor 10 in the first washing chamber 80 can be reliably pressed from above by the first pressing means 20. Thereby, the tableware W can be washed while suppressing the tableware W from falling over or being blown away.

In addition to pressing the tableware W from above by the first pressing means 20, the amount of washing water sprayed onto the tableware W from above may be greater than from below. This can prevent the tableware W from tipping over or being blown away, and from being stagnant without being conveyed by the conveyor 10.

(holding step)
Next, in the second washing chamber 90, a holding step is performed in which the tableware W is held down from above by the second holding means 30 while being conveyed by the conveyor 10.

As shown in FIG. 11A, the tableware W is conveyed by the conveyor 10, lifts the second pressing means 30, and slips between the conveyor 10 and the second pressing means 30. Then, the second pressing means 30 covers the tableware W while being deformed along the shape.

In the second pressing means 30, a plurality of connecting plates 32, a collar 34, and a resin roller 31a are rotatably inserted into a connecting rod 31 arranged at a predetermined pitch in the transport direction of the tableware W. . Thereby, when the second pressing means 30 covers the tableware W, it can cover the tableware W while being deformed so as to be bent along the shape of the tableware W conveyed downstream in the conveyance direction.

At this time, the second pressing means 30 covers the back side of the tableware W transported by the conveyor 10, where the thread ends are located, while the second pressing means 30 slides thereon.

(Engagement step)
Next, in the second washing chamber 90, with the tableware W being pressed from above by the pressing step, the weight portion 40 is moved upward via the second pressing means 30 and engaged with the engaging portion 50. perform an engagement step to match.

As shown in FIGS. 11(b) and 12, the tableware W covered by the second pressing means 30 in the pressing step is further transported downstream in the transport direction by the conveyor 10. The weight part 40 connected to the second pressing means 30 on the upstream side of the transporting direction covers the tableware W transported downstream in the transporting direction via the second pressing means 30.

The weight part 40 that covers the tableware W via the second pressing means 30 is connected to a plurality of connection plates 42, a central collar 44, and a plurality of connection rods 41 disposed at a predetermined pitch in the conveyance direction of the tableware W. , an end collar 45 and a weight 46 are rotatably inserted, and when placed over the tableware W, they deform upward while bending along the shape of the tableware W to be conveyed downstream in the conveyance direction. Moving.

At this time, the upstream end of the weight part 40 in the transport direction of the tableware W is rotatably connected to the second pressing means 30 by the connection plate 42, and the downstream end of the weight part 40 in the transport direction Since it is a free end, the weight part 40 can be deformed so as to be bent along the shape of the tableware W and placed on the tableware W.

The upper side of the weight part 40 that has moved upward by covering the tableware W via the second pressing means 30 engages with the lower side of the engaging part 50 located above the weight part 40. . Specifically, a portion of the end collar 45 and the center collar 44 of the weight portion 40 enters a gap between the end collar 55 and a portion of the center collar 54 of the engaging portion 50, so that the weight portion 40 and the engaging portion 50 engage with each other. Then, the weight portion 40 is restricted from moving upstream and downstream in the conveyance direction.

Thereby, the mass of the weight part 40 can be reliably applied to the tableware W conveyed by the conveyor 10 via the second pressing means 30.

In the engaging portion 50, a plurality of connecting plates 52, a center collar 54, an end collar 55, and a weight 56 are rotatably inserted through connecting rods 51 arranged at a predetermined pitch in the transport direction of the tableware W. ing. Thereby, the engaging part 50 engages with the weight part 40 covering the tableware W while deforming so as to be bent along the shape of the tableware W being conveyed downstream in the conveyance direction.

Further, the upper side of the weight part 40 is engaged with the engaging part 50, but the lower side of the weight part 40 is not engaged with the second pressing means 30. Therefore, the portion of the weight portion 40 that covers the tableware W and is not lifted up via the second pressing means 30 is not engaged with the engaging portion 50, so that the portion of the weight portion 40 that covers the tableware W is not lifted up via the second pressing means 30. It can be easily slid and moved against the top surface. Thereby, it becomes easy to deform the weight part 40 so as to bend it according to the shape of the tableware W and to cover the tableware W.

(Second cleaning step)
Next, in the second cleaning chamber 90, while being conveyed by the conveyor 10, the weight portion 40 is moved upward via the second pressing means 30 and engaged with the engaging portion 50, and the second A second washing step is performed in which the second washing of the tableware W is performed while holding the tableware W from above by the pressing means 30.

In the second washing step, the washing water is sprayed only from below the dishes W at a pressure higher than the pressure of the washing water sprayed onto the dishes W from the first lower washing nozzle 86 in the first washing step, for example, approximately 1.0 MPa. is sprayed to wash away dirt that has not been completely removed in the first washing step and has adhered to the surface side of the tableware W, which is the eating surface side. Therefore, simply pressing down the tableware W from above using only the first pressing means 20 as in the first washing step may not prevent the tableware W from falling over or being blown away.

Therefore, as shown in FIG. 11(b) and FIG. 12, in the engagement step performed before the second washing step, the weight portion 40 is placed on the second pressing means 30 to suppress the tableware W from above. In other words, the downward force in the vertical direction is increased compared to when only the second pressing means 30 covers the tableware W.

Furthermore, if the engaging part 50 is lifted up when the engaging part 50 is engaged with the weight part 40 in the engaging step, the engaging part 50 will press the weight part 40 from above, so the tableware W The mass that presses down from above, that is, the downward force in the vertical direction, can be further increased.

Thereby, it is possible to more reliably suppress the tableware W transported by the conveyor 10 from falling over or being blown away, and to wash away the dirt attached to the tableware W that could not be completely removed in the first washing step. In addition, the tableware W does not rise from the conveyance surface of the conveyor 10 and can be maintained on the conveyor 10, and the tableware W can be reliably conveyed to the carry-out port 6 side while removing dirt attached to the tableware W. Can be washed away.

Furthermore, as shown in FIGS. 12 and 13, since the end collar 45 and center collar 44 of the weight section 40 are engaged with the end collar 55 and center collar 54 of the engaging section 50, It is possible to suppress the weight portion 40 covering the second pressing means 30 from sliding from the top of the second pressing means 30 toward the upstream side or the downstream side in the transport direction of the tableware W in the engagement step.

As shown in FIG. 12, when the tableware W conveyed by the conveyor 10 starts to be placed above the second lower washing nozzle 95, the second pressing means 30 and the weight part 40 are moved downstream in the conveyance direction of the tableware W. It covers the tableware W while deforming so as to bend along the shape of the tableware W at the side.

Further, as shown in FIG. 13, when the tableware W transported by the conveyor 10 leaves the position above the second lower washing nozzle 95, the second pressing means 30 and the weight part 40 It covers the tableware W while deforming so as to be bent along the shape of the tableware W on the upstream side in the conveyance direction.

In this way, among the weight parts 40, in addition to the weight parts 40 that are engaged with the engaging part 50, the weight parts 40 that are not engaged are also located on the upstream side or downstream side of the tableware W conveyed by the conveyor 10. The tableware W is pressed from above via the second pressing means 30 along the shape.

Thereby, it is possible to stably press the tableware W from above and spray the washing water, thereby washing the tableware W conveyed by the conveyor 10.

12 and 13, it is shown that there is a vertical gap between the upper end of the connecting plate 42 of the weight part 40 and the lower end of the connecting plate 52 of the engaging part 50. This is a convenient expression to make it easier to understand how the end collar 45 and the center collar 44 engage with the end collar 55 and the center collar 54 of the engaging portion 50. In reality, the vertical gap between the connecting plate 42 of the weight part 40 and the connecting plate 52 of the engaging part 50 is narrow, and depending on the location, the connecting plate 42 of the weight part 40 and the connecting plate 52 of the engaging part 50 are There are some places where they are in contact.

Then, as shown in FIG. 11(c), the washed tableware W is transported to a position where there is no second lower washing nozzle 95, and is moved from a position covered by the second pressing means 30 to a position not covered by the second pressing means 30. transported.

In addition, before or after performing the second washing step, that is, when the tableware W is not located above the second lower washing nozzle 95, the second lower washing nozzle 95 does not wash the first washing step. Washing water is sprayed upward at a higher pressure than that sprayed from the lower washing nozzle 86. Therefore, the high-pressure cleaning water is directly sprayed onto the inside of the ceiling of the second cleaning chamber 90, and there is a risk that the high-pressure cleaning water will collide with the outer shell 2 and the decorative panel 4 that make up the ceiling, causing a loud noise. .

Furthermore, the temperature of the washing water stored in the second washing tank 92 is such that the temperature of the washing water stored in the second washing tank 92 is adjusted to wash away various kinds of dirt components contained in school lunches, etc., such as dirt components attached to the tableware W composed of proteins, lipids, and starches. When the predetermined temperature is said to be optimal, for example 55 to 70 degrees Celsius, if cleaning water at that temperature is sprayed onto the ceiling of the second cleaning chamber 90, the ceiling of the second cleaning chamber 90 will be heated. . Then, the heat from the heated ceiling of the second cleaning chamber 90 may spread to the entire ceiling of the outer shell 2.

As shown in FIG. 9, when the tableware W being conveyed by the conveyor 10 is not inserted between the conveyor 10 and the second pressing means 30, the center collar 54 and the end collar 55 of the engaging portion 50 are , the center collar 44 and the end collar 45 of the weight portion 40 are configured to overlap in plan view. Further, although the weight 56 of the engaging portion 50 and the weight 46 of the weight portion 40 are configured to overlap in plan view, a gap is created between the weight 56 and the weight 46.

In FIG. 9, the center collar 44, end collar 45, and weight 46 of the weight portion 40 are hatched with fine dots, and the center collar 44, end collar 45, and weight 46 of the weight portion 40 are The gaps between the center collar 54, end collars 55, and weights 56 of the joining portion 50 are hatched.

Therefore, in the present embodiment, since the second lower cleaning nozzle 95 is located directly below the central collar 54 of the engaging part 50 and the central collar 44 of the weight part 40, the second lower cleaning nozzle 95 The jetted cleaning water hits the central collar 54 of the engaging portion 50 and the central collar 44 of the weight portion 40, or the central collar 54 of the engaging portion 50 or the central collar 44 of the weight portion 40. Then, the cleaning water sprayed upward from the second lower cleaning nozzle 95 can be prevented from reaching the ceiling of the second cleaning chamber 90.

This prevents the generation of loud noise caused by high-pressure cleaning water colliding with the ceiling of the second cleaning chamber 90 of the cleaning device 1, and also suppresses the heat on the ceiling of the cleaning device 1 from reaching a high temperature. As a result, it is possible to protect the safety of workers who handle the cleaning device 1 and to prevent the temperature of the room in which the cleaning device 1 is installed from rising, thereby preserving the working environment.

Furthermore, the cleaning water splashed by hitting the central collar 54 of the engaging part 50 and the central collar 44 of the weight part 40, or the central collar 54 of the engaging part 50 or the central collar 44 of the weight part 40, is Although the part enters the gap between the weight 56 of the engaging part 50 and the weight 46 of the weight part 40 shown by hatching in FIG. 9 and scatters upward, the amount of scattering is small and the gap is small. It is possible to suppress the splashed cleaning water from colliding with the ceiling of the cleaning device 1.

(Final rinse step)
Next, a final rinsing step is performed in the final rinsing chamber 100, in which the final rinsing of the tableware W is carried out while being conveyed by the conveyor 10 and held down from above by the third pressing means 70.

The third pressing means 70 covers the tableware W that has finished the second washing step while being deformed so as to be bent according to the shape of the tableware W in the same way as the first pressing means 20. Fresh water is sprayed from the lower finish rinsing nozzle 106 to perform the final rinsing of the tableware W.

Thereby, the washing water adhering to the tableware W in the first washing step and the second washing step can be washed away with clean water.

Then, the finished rinsed tableware W is conveyed to a position where the upper finish rinsing nozzle 105 and the lower final rinsing nozzle 106 are not located, while pressing the tableware W from above, and from a position covered by the third holding means 70 to a position where the third pressing means 70 is not covered. transported to the location.

(Export step)
Then, an unloading step is performed in which the tableware W is unloaded from the finishing rinse chamber 100.

The tableware W that has been finish-rinsed in the finish-rinsing step is carried out from the finish-rinsing chamber 100 to the outside of the washing apparatus 1 through the outlet 6.

As described above, in this embodiment, the first pressing means 20, the second pressing means 30, and the third pressing means 70 cover the tableware W conveyed by the conveyor 10 from above, and the washing water is applied to the tableware W. Then, the final rinse water is sprayed and the dishes W are washed.

When washing or finishing rinsing the tableware W, the first holding means 20, the second holding means 30, and the third holding means 70 reliably cover the tableware W, so that washing water and finishing Even if the force of the rinsing water is strong, the product will be washed reliably without tipping over or being blown away.

In particular, the second pressing means 30 is further covered with a weight portion 40 and the weight portion 40 engages with the engaging portion 50, so that even if washing water is sprayed onto the tableware W at a relatively high pressure, the tableware W remains It is possible to wash the tableware W while reliably and stably transporting it while preventing it from falling over or being blown away.

(cleaning step)
Finally, a cleaning step is performed to clean the inside of the first cleaning chamber 80, the inside of the second cleaning chamber 90, the inside of the final rinsing chamber 100, and the members attached to the cleaning device 1.

The driving of the conveyor 10, the first cleaning pump 83, the second cleaning pump 93, and the final rinsing pump 103 shown in FIG. Drain the stored wash water and clean water. Then, the door provided in the outer shell 2 is opened.

A member detachably attached in the first cleaning chamber 80, for example, the first holding means 20, is removed from the opened door. Also, members detachably attached in the second cleaning chamber 90, such as the second pressing means 30, the weight part 40, and the engaging part 50, are removed. Then, a member removably attached within the finishing rinse chamber 100, for example, the third pressing means 70, is removed.

At this time, the first pressing means 20, the second pressing means 30, the weight part 40, the engaging part 50, and the third pressing means 70 are detachably fixed to the cleaning device 1, so they can be attached and detached. It is extremely easy to work with.

In the first cleaning chamber 80, in the second cleaning chamber 90, in the finish rinsing chamber 100, in the first pressing means 20, second pressing means 30, weight part 40, engaging part 50 and third The pressing means 70 is cleaned with fresh water supplied from a water supply facility provided at the facility.

After cleaning, the removed members are installed in the first cleaning chamber 80, the second cleaning chamber 90, and the final rinsing chamber 100, and are dried until the next cleaning is performed. After drying, close the door and prepare for the next use of the cleaning device 1.

In addition, not only during the cleaning step but also when other steps are being performed, the operation of the cleaning device 1 is stopped and the door provided in the outer body 2 is opened, and each of the components that are configured to be detachable from the cleaning device 1 can be removed. The members, the first pressing means 20 , the second pressing means 30 , the weight section 40 , the engaging section 50 and the third pressing means 70 can be removed from the cleaning device 1 . Thereby, maintenance of the cleaning device 1 can be easily performed.

(Other embodiments)
The present invention may have the following configuration for each of the above embodiments.

In the above embodiment, the center collar 44, end collar 45, and weight 46 that make up the weight portion 40, and the center collar 54, end collar 55, and weight 56 that make up the engaging portion 50 have a round cross section. However, this is just an example of the shape, and may be a polygonal shape such as a quadrangular cross section or a pentagonal shape.

In the above embodiment, the center collar 44 and end collar 45 of the weight part 40 are engaged with the center collar 54 and end collar 55 of the engaging part 50, but the weight The weight 46 of the portion 40 may be configured to engage with any or all of the center collar 54, end collar 55, and weight 56 that constitute the engaging portion 50.

In the above embodiment, the items to be cleaned are tableware W used for eating, but food cans for storing food, trays for placing and transporting tableware, and other items other than food-related items such as mechanical parts and architectural It may also be used to clean members and the like. Further, the cleaning water may be made into an organic solvent and used for purposes such as degreasing metal parts.

Note that in the above embodiment, the operating roller 15 of the conveyor 10 is made of resin, but may be made of metal. In that case, the mechanical durability of the moving rollers 15 of the conveyor 10 that conveys the tableware W can be improved, and the life of the conveyor 10 can be extended.

In the above embodiment, the weight part 40, the engaging part 50, and the hooking part 60 are provided only on the second pressing means 30, but they are also provided on the first pressing means 20 and the third pressing means 70. Good too. Thereby, the tableware W can be washed in a more stable state.

In the above embodiment, the rollers 21a, 31a, and 71a of the first pressing means 20, the second pressing means 30, and the third pressing means 70 are made of resin, but they may be made of resin such as silicone rubber or fluororubber. Other materials may also be used.

Note that the pitches of the connecting rods 21, 31, 71 of the first pressing means 20, the second pressing means 30, and the third pressing means 70 are not particularly limited, and may be arranged at a wider pitch than in the above embodiment. You may. As a result, when cleaning water is sprayed from above the first pressing means 20, the second pressing means 30, and the third pressing means 70, the jetted cleaning water is sprayed onto the first pressing means 20, the second pressing means 70, and the second pressing means 70. It is made easier to pass through the holding means 30 and the third holding means 70, and the back side of the face-down tableware W can be washed more effectively.

Note that the weight portion 40 may be connected to the second pressing means 30 at a portion other than the upstream end of the tableware W in the transport direction. In that case, if the weight part 40 is connected to the second pressing means 30 at a plurality of places, when the tableware W slips between the conveyor 10 and the second pressing means 30, the weight part 40 and the second pressing means 30 There is a possibility that the pressing means 30 does not follow the shape of the back side of the tableware W, and the tableware W cannot be held as intended. Therefore, it is necessary to consider the connection point between the weight part 40 and the second pressing means 30 so that the posture of the tableware W is stabilized when the tableware W slips between the conveyor 10 and the second pressing means 30. .

Although the weight portion 40 is configured to be separate from the second pressing means 30, the weight 46 of the weight portion 40 may be incorporated into the second pressing means 30, for example, the collar of the second pressing means 30 may be incorporated into the second pressing means 30. The weight 46 of the weight portion 40 may be incorporated into the portion 34. In this case, the weight portion 40 may not be provided, and if the weight portion 40 is not provided, the weight 46 incorporated in the second pressing means 30 may be attached to the center collar 54 or the end collar 55 of the engaging portion 50. It is also possible to engage the

In the above embodiment, the engaging part 50 is provided above the weight part 40, but even if the engaging part 50 is not provided, the washing water can be sprayed only by the second pressing means 30 and the weight part 40. As long as W can be held stably, the engaging portion 50 may not be provided.

For example, the engaging portion 50 may be a plate-shaped member, and the plate-shaped member may be provided with unevenness so that the weight portion 40 can be engaged with the engaging portion 50.

In the above embodiment, the first pressing means 20, the second pressing means 30, the weight section 40, the engaging section 50, and the third pressing means 70 are connected to the connecting rods 21, 31, 41 similarly to the conveyor 10. , 51, 71, connection plates 22, 32, 42, 52, 72, connection pins 23, 33, 43, 53, 73, etc., but a different configuration may be used. For example, it may be a rod-shaped member extending from the upstream side to the downstream side in the conveyance direction of tableware W, it may be a net-like net woven with steel materials, or it may be a combination of plate-shaped slats in the shape of a conveyor. Good too.

In addition, although the conveyor 10 of this embodiment conveys the tableware W by continuous conveyance, the conveyor 10 may convey the tableware W by intermittent conveyance which repeatedly conveys a predetermined pitch at a predetermined timing.

Note that the conveyor 10, the first pressing means 20, the second pressing means 30, the third pressing means 70, the weight portion 40, the engaging portion 50, and the hooking portion 60 are arranged according to the shape of the tableware W and the washing water. The specifications may be changed depending on the pressure, flow rate, etc.

Note that the number of lanes for transporting the dishes W in the washing device 1 in the transport direction is not limited to one, and may be plural.

Note that a plurality of conveyors 10 may be provided for one lane in the direction along the transport direction of the tableware W or in the direction orthogonal to the transport direction of the tableware W. Further, the number of first pressing means 20, second pressing means 30, third pressing means 70, weight section 40, engaging section 50, and hooking section 60 provided for one conveyor 10 is one. The number is not limited, and may be plural. Furthermore, the number of first pressing means 20, second pressing means 30, third pressing means 70, weight section 40, engaging section 50, and hooking section 60 provided for the plurality of conveyors 10 is one. Good too.

In the above embodiment, the second washing chamber 90 is provided with only the second lower washing nozzle 95, but the second upper washing nozzle sprays washing water from above to below the tableware W. may be provided.

In that case, if the washing water is sprayed from the second upper washing nozzle at a position where the second pressing means 30, the weight part 40, and the engaging part 50 are covered by the tableware W, the washing water will be difficult to reach the tableware W. . Therefore, at a position where the weight part 40 and the engaging part 50 do not cover the second pressing means 30, that is, at a position where only the second pressing means 30 covers the tableware W, the second upper washing nozzle is directed toward the tableware W. It is preferable to configure the cleaning water to be sprayed from.

In addition, in order to allow the second upper cleaning nozzle and the second lower cleaning nozzle 95 to face each other and allow the cleaning water sprayed from the cleaning nozzles to pass through, there is a portion of the weight portion 40 where the center collar 44 and the weight 46 are not attached. However, the engaging portion 50 may be provided with a portion to which the central collar 54 and the weight 56 are not attached.

(Modification 1)
The second lower cleaning nozzle 95 shown in Embodiment 1 is replaced with a two-fluid injection nozzle (nozzle) 195 that can generate a higher pressure and a larger flow rate, and the two-fluid injection nozzle 195 is used in the second cleaning step. Cleaning may be performed by spraying cleaning water.

The second lower cleaning nozzle 95 of the first embodiment pressurizes the cleaning water stored in the second cleaning tank 92 with the second cleaning pump 93 and distributes the pressurized cleaning water into the second cleaning chamber 90. The water is sprayed at a predetermined pressure toward the tableware W being conveyed by the conveyor 10 through the installed second washing pipe 94.

The two-fluid injection nozzle 195 of Modification 1 injects low-pressure cleaning water and high-pressure cleaning water from the same nozzle. In addition to the second lower cleaning nozzle 95 of the first embodiment, cleaning water is supplied to a second high-pressure side cleaning pump (pump) through a second high-pressure side cleaning pipe (piping) 194 branching from the second cleaning piping 94. 193 , and the pressurized cleaning water is injected from the second lower cleaning nozzle 95 through the second high-pressure side cleaning pipe 194 .

The second high-pressure cleaning pump 193 is set to have a higher discharge pressure than the second cleaning pump 93. The cleaning water flowing through the second high-pressure side cleaning pipe 194 is pressurized in two stages by the second cleaning pump 93 and the second high-pressure side cleaning pump 193, and then flows from the second cleaning pump 93 to the second cleaning pipe 94. The wash water flows at a higher pressure than the wash water flowing into the water.

In the two-fluid injection nozzle 195, the cleaning water discharged by the second cleaning pump 93 and flowing through the second cleaning pipe 94 is injected from the low-pressure side nozzle (two-fluid injection nozzle) 195a of the two-fluid injection nozzle 195. Ru.

In addition, the washing water flowing through the second high-pressure side washing pipe 194 branched from the second washing pipe 94 after being pressurized in two stages by the second washing pump 93 and the second high-pressure side washing pump 193 is It is injected from the high pressure side nozzle (two-fluid injection nozzle) 195b of the injection nozzles 195.

That is, as shown in FIG. 14, low-pressure cleaning water is injected from the same injection hole (two-fluid injection nozzle) 195c on the tip side of the low-pressure side nozzle 195a through the second cleaning pipe 94, and the second high-pressure High-pressure cleaning water is also injected through the side cleaning pipe 194.

In this way, both the low-pressure washing water and the high-pressure washing water are sprayed from the injection holes 195c toward the tableware W being conveyed by the conveyor 10.

Thereby, the two-fluid jet nozzle 195 can jet cleaning water at high pressure and high flow rate, and can more effectively clean a wide range of the object to be cleaned.

Even when such a two-fluid injection nozzle 195 is used, the conveyor 10, the second pressing means 30, the weight part 40, and the engaging part 50 of the present invention reliably suppress the tableware W from falling or being blown away. Dirt attached to the tableware W that could not be removed in the first cleaning step can be washed away. In addition, the tableware W does not rise from the conveyance surface of the conveyor 10 and can be maintained on the conveyor 10, and the tableware W can be reliably conveyed to the carry-out port 6 side while removing dirt attached to the tableware W. Can be washed away.

Note that the above embodiments and modifications are essentially preferable examples, and are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention, its applications, or uses.

1 Cleaning device 2 Outer body 3 Frame 4 Decorative board 5 Loading port 6 Loading port 7 Conveyor rail 10 Conveyor (conveying means)
11 Connecting rod 12 Connecting plate 13 Connecting pin 14 Collar 15 Operating roller 20 First pressing means (pressing means)
21 Connecting rod 21a Roller 22 Connecting plate 23 Connecting pin 24 Collar 25 Locking part 30 Second pressing means (pressing means)
31 Connecting rod 31a Roller 32 Connecting plate 33 Connecting pin 34 Collar 35 Locking part 40 Weight part 41 Connecting rod 42 Connecting plate 43 Connecting pin 44 Center collar 45 End collar 46 Weight 50 Engagement part 51 Connecting rod 52 Connecting plate 53 Connecting pin 54 Center collar 55 End collar 56 Weight 57 Hanging bar 60 Hanging portion 61 Recessed portion 70 Third pressing means (pressing means)
71 Connecting rod 71a Roller 72 Connecting plate 73 Connecting pin 74 Collar 75 Locking part 80 First cleaning chamber (cleaning chamber)
81 Holding means locking part 82 First cleaning tank (tank)
83 First cleaning pump (pump)
84 First cleaning pipe (piping)
85 First upper cleaning nozzle (nozzle)
86 First lower cleaning nozzle (nozzle)
90 Second cleaning room (cleaning room)
91 Holding means locking part 92 Second cleaning tank (tank)
93 Second cleaning pump (pump)
94 Second cleaning pipe (piping)
95 Second lower cleaning nozzle (nozzle)
100 Finish rinsing room (washing room)
101 Holding means locking part 102 Finish rinse tank (tank)
103 Finish rinse pump (pump)
104 Finish rinse piping (piping)
105 Finish rinsing upper nozzle (nozzle)
106 Finish rinse lower nozzle (nozzle)
193 Second high pressure side cleaning pump (pump)
194 Second high pressure side cleaning piping (piping)
195 Two-fluid injection nozzle (nozzle)
195a Low pressure side nozzle (two-fluid injection nozzle)
195b High pressure side nozzle (two-fluid injection nozzle)
195c injection hole (two-fluid injection nozzle)
W Tableware (items to be washed)

Claims (9)

a carry-in step of carrying the object to be cleaned placed on the conveyor into the cleaning chamber from the carry-in port of the cleaning device;
The object to be cleaned carried into the cleaning chamber in the carrying-in step is covered by a holding means which is removably fixed to the cleaning device at the upstream side in the conveying direction of the object above the conveyor, and the object to be cleaned is A presser step that presses from above,
an engaging step in which a weight portion provided on the pressing means that has moved upward by covering the object to be cleaned due to the pressing step engages with an engaging portion provided above the weight portion;
a cleaning step of spraying cleaning water onto the object to be cleaned being transported by the conveyor in a state in which the weight portion is engaged with the engaging portion in the engaging step;
A method for transporting an object to be cleaned, the method comprising: Multiple lanes are formed in a direction perpendicular to the transport direction of the object to be cleaned,
2. The method for transporting an object to be cleaned according to claim 1, wherein in the pressing step, a pressing means covers and presses the object to be cleaned in the plurality of lanes. A cleaning device that cleans objects to be cleaned by spraying cleaning water stored in a tank in a cleaning chamber,
a conveyor for placing objects to be cleaned and conveying them in the conveying direction in the cleaning chamber;
Provided above the conveyor, it is lifted upward by covering the object to be cleaned conveyed by the conveyor, and presses the object to be cleaned from above in a shape along the upper surface side of the object to be cleaned, at least in the direction of conveyance of the object to be cleaned. a pressing means detachably fixed to the cleaning device on the upstream end side;
a weight portion provided so that the mass applied to the object to be cleaned that is pressed by the holding means is greater at a location where the cleaning water is sprayed onto the object to be cleaned, compared to a location where the cleaning water is not sprayed;
Equipped with
When a portion of the pressing means covers the object to be cleaned and is lifted upward at a location where the washing water is sprayed onto the object to be cleaned, the weight portion provided on the pressing means that has been lifted upward engages. A cleaning device further comprising an engaging portion that does. Covering at least a part of the weight portion from above the pressing means,
4. The cleaning device according to claim 3, wherein at least a part of a portion of the weight portion that covers the pressing means is connected to the pressing means. 5. The cleaning device according to claim 4, wherein an end of the weight portion is connected to a pressing means on the upstream side in the conveyance direction of the object to be cleaned. 4. The cleaning device according to claim 3, wherein at least a part of the weight portion is a weight incorporated in the pressing means. Multiple lanes are formed in the direction perpendicular to the transport direction of the object to be cleaned,
Each of the plurality of lanes is provided with a holding means for holding down the plurality of objects to be cleaned conveyed in the plurality of lanes, and a weight portion provided so as to increase the mass applied to the objects to be washed held by the holding means. The cleaning device according to any one of claims 3 to 6, characterized in that: An engaging portion is provided for each of the plurality of lanes provided with pressing means,
The engaging portion provided in at least one lane among the plurality of lanes,
The cleaning device according to claim 7, wherein the cleaning device is fixed to the cleaning device at a different height from the engaging portions provided in other lanes. The cleaning device according to any one of claims 3 to 8, wherein the engaging portion is removably latched to a latching portion provided within the cleaning chamber.

Images