JPH06340U - Rack carrying device pusher mechanism - Google Patents

Abstract

(57) [Summary] [Purpose] Preventing damage to the pusher and drive mechanism and improving work efficiency. [Configuration] First guide rail 46 and second guide rail disposed on the horizontal base 20. The support 48 is slidably disposed on the base plate 52. The support 48 is reciprocally moved between the standby position and the carry-in position by the drive mechanism. On the support 48,
The first arm 58 and the second arm 60 are commonly supported by a pivot pin 62 so as to be horizontally rotatable. With respect to the second arm 60, the first arm 58 is prevented from rotating toward the upstream side in the rack transporting direction and is prevented from moving toward the downstream side in the rack transporting direction with reference to the basic posture in which both arms 58 and 60 are linearly aligned. It is configured to allow rotation. A torsion spring 64 provided on the pivot pin 62 urges the first arm 58 toward the upstream side in the rack transport direction with respect to the second arm 60 so as to always maintain the basic posture. .

Description

[Detailed description of the device]

[0001]

[Industrial applications]

 The present invention relates to a pusher mechanism of a rack loading device, and more specifically to a pusher mechanism for loading a rack mounted on a base into a dishwasher from a standby position to a loading position when a new rack is loaded. The present invention relates to a pusher mechanism that allows the pusher to return from a carry-in position to a standby position even when mounted on a table.

[0002]

[Prior art]

 When a large number of dishes requiring cleaning are generated at one time in a hotel with a large banquet hall or large-scale eating facilities such as a large-scale drive-in, the group of dishes is efficiently washed and labor saving is achieved. A possible dishwasher has been proposed by the applicant. As shown in FIG. 7, this dishwashing device basically has a rectangular washing tank 14 which is entirely opened upward and a vertically movable box-like casing 16 which can cover the washing tank 14 from above. A washing machine 12 is provided. In this dishwasher 12, dishwashers accommodated in the rack 10 with the dish storage rack 10 accommodated in the washing chamber defined inside with the casing 16 covered with the casing 16. Are to be washed. Note that the structure of the dishwasher 12 itself is a general one as a commercial washer, and includes rotating nozzles that horizontally face each other in a vertical relationship, a pump for jetting cleaning liquid or soot water, a hot water storage tank, etc. Various members (none of which are shown) are provided.

On one side of the dishwasher 12, a rack carry-in device 18 for carrying in the rack 10 to a fixed washing position of the washing tank 14 of the washing machine 12 is arranged. The rack carry-in device 18 is basically composed of a table-like horizontal base 20 on which the rack 10 containing the dishes requiring cleaning can be placed. The base 20 has an upper surface level on which the rack 10 is placed, which is equal to the rack receiving level of the cleaning tank 14. Further, the rack loading device 18 is provided with a pusher 22 that extends horizontally from one side of the base 20 by a predetermined length above the rack mounting portion provided on the base 20, and the pusher 22 is the base 20. It is adapted to be moved from the standby position to the carry-in position via a drive mechanism (not shown) arranged on one side of the. Therefore, when the rack 10 is mounted on the rack mounting portion on the downstream side of the pusher 22 facing the standby position, the rack 10 is moved by the drive mechanism to move the pusher 22 forward from the standby position to the loading position. It is pushed by the pusher 22 and carried into the dishwasher 12.

A lifter device 24 and a wagon 26 are arranged in series on the side opposite to the side where the rack carry-in device 18 is arranged in the dishwasher 12. The lifter device 24 is configured to carry out the rack 10 that has been cleaned from the dishwasher 12 and stack the rack 10 on the wagon 26. The wagon 26 is configured to be movable via a plurality of casters 28, and is detachably set to the lifter device 24.

As described above, the dish washing apparatus in which the rack carry-in device 18, the dish washing machine 12, the lifter device 24 and the wagon 26 are arranged in series is used to carry the rack into the dish washing machine 12 and wash the dishes stored in the rack 10. → Rack unloading from the washing machine 12 → Rack stacking on the wagon 26 can be fully automated.

[0006]

[Problems to be solved by the device]

 The rack carry-in device 18 in the dish washing device directs the rack 10 placed on the placing part to the dish washing machine 12 by the pusher 22 extending above the rack placing part provided on the base 20. It is configured to be carried in. In this case, after the pusher 22 moves to the carry-in position and before the pusher 22 returns to the original standby position, the rack 10 containing the dishes to be washed next is placed on the rack placing section. I couldn't. In other words, when the new rack 10 is placed on the rack placement part when the pusher 22 moves to the carry-in position, the pusher 22 that returns from the carry-in position to the standby position comes into contact with the rack 10 to prevent its return operation. If so, an excessive load is applied to the drive mechanism, causing a failure or damage to the pusher 22.

Therefore, until the pusher 22 returns from the carry-in position to the standby position, the worker must hold the heavy rack 10 loaded with the eating device, which causes the worker to work excessively. Will be forced. Moreover, while the operator holds the rack 10 and waits, other work cannot be performed, which causes a decrease in work efficiency.

[0008]

[The purpose of the device]

 In view of the above-mentioned problems inherent in the above-described rack loading device, the present invention has been proposed in order to suitably solve this problem, and the rack mounted on the base block the return operation of the pusher. It is an object of the present invention to provide a pusher capable of preventing the pusher and the drive mechanism from being damaged due to the above and improving work efficiency.

[0009]

[Means for Solving the Problems]

 In order to overcome the above-mentioned problems and preferably achieve the intended purpose, the present invention has a horizontal base arranged adjacent to a dishwasher equipped with a cleaning tank and a drive mechanism arranged on one side of the horizontal base. A support that is driven to reciprocate between the standby position and the carry-in position, and is disposed on this support and extends a predetermined length above the rack mounting portion provided on the base. A rack carrying-in device, comprising a pusher and a tableware storage rack placed on a rack mounting section, to be carried into the dishwasher by the pusher, wherein the pusher is horizontally pivoted on the support body. At the same time, the arm of the pusher, which faces above the rack mounting portion, moves to the rack transport upstream side with reference to the basic posture of transporting the rack mounted on the mounting portion toward the dishwasher. Movement is regulated again The arm is elastically urged to the upstream side of the rack transport by the elastic member so that it can always maintain the basic posture, and the pusher returns from the carry-in position to the standby position. , When the arm comes into contact with the rack, the arm horizontally rotates in the direction of retracting from the rack against the elastic force of the elastic member to allow the return operation of the pusher, and the return operation of the pusher. The arm detached from the rack is configured to be rotated and returned to the original basic posture by the return elasticity of the elastic member.

[0010]

【Example】

 Next, a pusher mechanism of a rack loading device according to the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, with reference to preferred embodiments. FIG. 1 shows a longitudinal side surface of a main part of a rack loading device in which a pusher mechanism according to an embodiment is adopted, and FIG. 2 shows a vertical front surface of the rack loading device. It should be noted that the same members that have been roughly described in the related art with reference to FIG. 7 are denoted by the same reference numerals.

As shown in the figure, the rack carry-in device 18 is basically composed of a table-like horizontal base 20 on which a rack 10 containing dishes requiring cleaning can be placed. A pair of support members 30 and 32 are erected on both ends in the longitudinal direction of the base 20 on one side along the rack transport direction, and the rack mounting provided on the base 20 is provided between the support members 30 and 32. A drive mechanism of a pusher 22 that carries the rack 10 placed on the section 20a into the dishwasher 12 is provided. That is, as shown in FIG. 3, the cover body 34 is disposed inside the support member 30 on the upstream side in the rack transport direction (the side facing the other support member 32), and the front surface of the cover body 34 (the rack mounting position). A sprocket 36 is rotatably arranged on the side facing the portion 20a). The sprocket 36 is configured to rotate in the forward and reverse directions by a drive motor (not shown) provided inside the cover body 34. A sprocket 40 is rotatably arranged on a support member 32 on the downstream side via a bracket 38, and an endless chain 42 is wound between the sprocket 40 and the sprocket 36. Therefore, if the motor is driven in the forward and reverse directions, the endless chain 42 reciprocates along the rack transport direction. The reference numeral 44 indicates a guide for the endless chain 42.

As shown in FIG. 1, a space between the support members 30 and 32 has a shape as shown in FIG. 1 at a predetermined height above the upper surface of the rack mounting portion 20 a and at a position below the endless chain 42. A first guide rail 46 is erected, and a support 48 is slidably disposed on the first guide rail 46 via a plurality of rollers 50. A second guide rail 52 is arranged in parallel on the back side of the first guide rail 46, and a roller 54 arranged on the back side of the support 48 is slidably arranged on the second guide rail 52. ing. Further, an appropriate portion of the endless chain 42 is fixed to the upper surface of the supporting body 48. Therefore, the support body 48 reciprocates along the guide rails 46, 52 as the chain 42 reciprocates (see FIG. 5).

As shown in FIG. 1, the drive mechanism of the pusher 22 is covered with a cover member 56, and is configured to prevent droplets such as water droplets adhering to the rack 10 and tableware from entering the drive mechanism. . However, an opening 56a is formed on the surface of the cover member 56 that faces the rack mounting portion 20a along the rack transport direction, and the first arm 58 (described later) of the pusher 22 is mounted on the rack mounting portion 20a via the opening 56a. It is adapted to extend above the portion 20a. Here, when the rack mounting part 20a is washed with water, this water may infiltrate into the cover member 56 through the opening 56a, but the drive mechanism (motor, chain, etc.) of the pusher 22 is Since it is arranged above 56a, the water does not adhere. Therefore, it is not necessary to take waterproof measures on the drive mechanism, which has an advantage that the cost can be reduced.

As shown in FIG. 1, a pusher 22 that sends the rack 10 placed on the rack placing section 20 a toward the dishwasher 12 is disposed on the lower surface of the support 48. The pusher 22 includes a first arm 58 extending horizontally from the support 48 above the rack mounting portion 20a by a predetermined length, and a second arm 60 extending rearward from the support 48. Both arms 58 and 60 are commonly supported by a pivot pin 62 hung on the support 48 so as to be horizontally rotatable. Also, as shown by the solid line in FIG. 3, the first arm 58 with respect to the second arm 60 is rotated toward the upstream side in the rack transport direction with reference to the basic posture in which both arms 58 and 60 are aligned linearly. Counterclockwise rotation) is prevented and rotation downstream in the rack transport direction (clockwise rotation) is allowed. Further, a torsion spring 64 is provided on the pivot pin 62 facing between the arms 58 and 60, and the torsion spring 64 directs the first arm 58 from the second arm 60 toward the upstream side in the rack transport direction. It functions so as to urge it to rotate, and is always configured to maintain the basic posture.

A follower 66 is rotatably supported on the upper surface of the pusher 22 in the vicinity of the extending end portion of the second arm 60 which is separated from the first arm 58. As shown in FIG. 1, the follower 66 slidably faces the long groove 68a of the guide 68 having an inverted concave cross section disposed on the lower surface of the second guide rail 52, and the support 48 is guided by the guide rail 48. The follower 66 is configured to slide in the long groove 68a as it moves along 46 and 52.

As shown in FIG. 5, the guide 68 is arranged so as to be closer to the rack mounting portion 20a (shifted in the rack transport direction) from the upstream side to the downstream side in the rack transport direction. Has been done. That is, when the support body 48 reciprocates, the pivot portion of the pusher 22 with respect to the support body 48 moves in parallel with the rack transport direction, while the extension end of the second arm 60 in which the follower 66 is disposed. The unit moves close to and away from the rack mounting unit 20a. As a result, as shown in FIG. 5, when the support 48 moves forward, the second arm 60 moves closer to the rack mounting section 20a, and as a result, the first arm 58 extending above the rack mounting section 20a. However, the approach angle in the rack transport direction is gradually reduced while maintaining the basic posture with the second arm 60. Therefore, the rack 10 placed on the rack placing section 20a can be carried in to a fixed cleaning position that does not hinder the lowering of the casing 16 in the dishwasher 12.

A roller 70 is pivotally attached to the open end of the first arm 58 facing above the rack mounting portion 20 a, and the roller 70 abuts on the upstream end of the rack 10 to allow the rack 10 to move. Can be sent smoothly.

Here, the first arm 58 of the pusher 22 is allowed to rotate toward the downstream side in the rack transport direction with respect to the second arm 60. Therefore, when a new rack 10 is placed on the rack placing part 20a when the pusher 22 is moved to the carry-in position, as shown in FIG. 6, the pusher 22 is returned to the standby position. When the first arm 58 comes into contact with the rack 10, the first arm 58 horizontally rotates to the downstream side in the rack transport direction, which retracts from the rack 10 against the elastic force of the torsion spring 64, and the return operation of the pusher 22. Is acceptable. When the first arm 58 is disengaged from the rack 10, the first arm 58 is rotated to the upstream side in the rack transport direction by the restoring elastic force of the torsion spring 64 to return to the original basic posture.

As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, two sets of guide members 72 and 74 are arranged in series in the rack transport direction on the upper surface of the rack mounting portion 20a provided on the horizontal base 20. There is. The first guide member 72 on the upstream side is composed of a pair of guide bodies 72a, 72a which are separated from each other by a predetermined distance in the direction intersecting the rack transport direction, and the second guide member 74 on the downstream side intersects the rack transport direction. It is composed of a pair of guide bodies 74a and 74a which are separated from each other by a predetermined distance. The tableware storage rack 10 in which the tableware requiring cleaning is stored is placed on the second guide member 74. The guide member 74 functions to prevent the rack 10 from being displaced and biased when the rack 10 is carried into the dishwasher 12.

As shown in FIG. 2, the first guide member 72 is set so that the protruding height from the mounting portion 20a is larger than that of the second guide member 74, and the first guide member 72 is mounted on the second guide member 74. The rack 10 is configured so as not to move upstream of the downstream end of the first guide member 72. The downstream end of the first guide member 72 is set to extend downstream of the turning radius of the first arm 58 of the pusher 22 facing the standby position in the rack transport direction (see FIG. 6). As a result, the first arm 58 of the pusher 22 that returns from the carry-in position to the standby position remains in contact with the rack 10 even though the second arm 60 of the pusher 22 has returned to the standby position. Is prevented.

At a proper position of the base 20, a pair of detection means 78, 80 (for example, proximity switches) are spaced apart by a predetermined distance in the longitudinal direction so as to face the movement trajectory of the dog 76 arranged on the support 48. Are arranged. That is, the detection means 80 on the downstream side drives the motor in the forward direction (travels the endless chain 42 forward) to move the pusher 22 forward, and when the rack 10 arrives at the carry-in position where the rack 10 is carried into the dishwasher 12. , Dog 76 and functions to reverse the direction of rotation of the motor. Further, the upstream detecting means 78 functions to detect the dog 76 and stop the motor when the pusher 22 returns to a predetermined standby position due to the reverse rotation of the motor (returning of the endless chain 42).

[0022]

[Operation of the embodiment]

 Next, the operation of the pusher mechanism of the rack loading device according to the embodiment will be described. First, after removing a large amount of leftover food, the tableware that has been used and soiled is stored in a required number in a state of being laid down on the rack 10. The rack 10 accommodating the tableware is placed on the second guide member 74 of the rack placing section 20a of the rack carry-in device 18, as shown in FIG. At this time, the pusher 22 is stopped at the standby position on the opposite side of the dish washer 12 with the rack 10 interposed therebetween, with both arms 58 and 60 maintaining the basic posture. Further, the casing 16 of the dishwasher 12 is raised to a fixed position and stopped, and the washing tank 14 is opened to wait for rack loading.

Next, when a start button (not shown) of the dishwasher is pressed, the motor of the carry-in device 18 is driven in the normal direction, and the support 48 and the pusher 22 are moved to the dishwasher via the endless chain 42. It moves forward toward the washing machine 12. Since the first arm 58 of the pusher 22 is restricted from rotating toward the upstream side in the rack transport direction, the rack 10 is pushed by the first arm 58 to move forward on the rack placing section 20a, and the dish washer is washed. 12 washings are carried into the cleaning tank 14. At this time, the follower 66 pivotally supported by the second arm 60 of the pusher 22 moves along the long groove 68a of the guide 68, so that the first arm 58 of the pusher 22 moves toward the dishwasher 12. Deviate to gradually reduce the approach angle. That is, the first arm 58 of the pusher 22 enters the cleaning tank 14 side beyond the boundary between the dishwasher 12 and the carry-in device 18. Therefore, the rack 10 can be reliably sent to the washing fixed position of the dishwasher 12. Since the pusher 22 is moved by the chain sprocket, the rack 10 can be smoothly transported without slipping when pushing out the heavy rack 10 loaded with the eating device.

When the pusher 22 moves forward to a predetermined position, the detection means 80 on the downstream side detects the arrival of the fixed position of the support body 48 (dog 76) and causes the motor to rotate in the reverse direction. When the pusher 22 returns to the original standby position, the arrival of the fixed position of the support 48 is detected by the upstream detection means 78, and the rotation of the motor is stopped. When the pusher 22 returns to the original standby position, the casing 16 of the dishwasher 12 descends to cover the washing tank 14, and the rack 10 located above the washing tank is surrounded to wash the dishwasher 12. Is started.

Next, while the pusher 22 is moving forward to bring the rack 10 into the dishwasher 12, the rack 10 containing the dishes to be washed next is placed on the rack placing section 20a. The operation in this case will be described.

In this case, as shown in FIG. 6, when the support 48 returns from the carry-in position to the standby position, the first arm 58 of the pusher 22 contacts the downstream end of the rack 20. Then, as the support 48 further moves, the first arm 58 rotates on the downstream side in the rack transport direction about the pivot pin 62 against the elastic force of the torsion spring 64, and moves to the side surface of the rack 10. Move along. When the first arm 58 is disengaged from the rack 10, the first arm 58 is rotated to the upstream side in the rack conveying direction by the restoring elastic force of the torsion spring 64, and is linearly positioned with respect to the second arm 60. Return to the basic posture. That is, it is possible to prevent damage to the pusher 22 or an excessive load applied to the drive mechanism due to the return operation of the pusher 22 being blocked by the rack 10. Further, it is possible to prevent the dishwashing process from being delayed because the pusher 22 is stopped in the descending region of the casing 16 and the operation of the dishwasher 12 is interrupted. Moreover, the operator does not need to hold the heavy rack 10 until the pusher 22 returns from the carry-in position to the standby position, and the rack 10 is placed on the rack carry-in device 18 to perform the next work. be able to.

It should be noted that when the rack 10 is placed on the second guide member 74 in the rack placing section 20a, the first guide member 72 prevents the rack 10 from moving upstream. The first arm 58 of the pusher 22, which returns from the carry-in position to the standby position, remains in contact with the rack 10 even though the second arm 60 of the pusher 22 has returned to the standby position. Is prevented.

In the embodiment, the type in which the posture changes as the pusher moves to the downstream side in the rack transport direction has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the pusher moves from the standby position to the carry-in position. It can also be used for pushers that move in a posture.

[0029]

[Effect of device]

 As described above, according to the pusher mechanism of the rack loading device according to the present invention, since the pusher is configured to be rotatable downstream in the rack transport direction, the dish storage rack is placed upstream of the pusher loaded in the dishwasher. Even if a new rack is placed, the rack does not prevent the pusher from returning to the standby position. That is, it is possible to prevent the pusher from coming into contact with the rack and being damaged, or the drive mechanism from being overloaded. In addition, until the pusher returns from the carry-in position to the standby position, it is not necessary for the worker to hold a heavy rack and wait, and the rack can be placed on the carry-in device to perform the next work. , Can improve work efficiency.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a vertical cross-sectional side view of a rack loading device that employs a pusher mechanism according to an embodiment.

FIG. 2 is a partially cutaway vertical front view showing the rack loading device with a cover member removed.

FIG. 3 is a partially cutaway plan view showing the rack loading device with a cover member removed.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing a schematic structure of a pusher.

FIG. 5 is an explanatory view showing a state in which the rack placed on the rack placing section is carried into a fixed washing position of the dishwasher by a pusher.

FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram showing a state in which the first arm contacts the rack and rotates while the pusher returns from the carry-in position to the standby position.

FIG. 7 is a schematic front view showing the overall structure of a conventional dishwashing apparatus.

[Explanation of symbols]

 10 Dish Storage Rack 12 Dishwasher 14 Cleaning Tank 20 Horizontal Base 20a Rack Placement 22 Pusher 48 Support 58 First Arm 64 Torsion Spring

Claims (1)

[Scope of utility model registration request] 1. A horizontal base (20) disposed adjacent to a dishwasher (12) having a cleaning tank (14) and a drive mechanism (42) arranged on one side of the horizontal base (20). And the support (48) that reciprocates between the standby position and the carry-in position.
8), and the rack mounting part (2
0a) is provided with a pusher (22) extending by a predetermined length, and the tableware storage rack (1
(0), in a rack loading device configured to load into the dishwasher (12) by the pusher (22), while pivotally supporting the pusher (22) on the support (48) in a horizontally rotatable manner, The arm (58) of the pusher (22), which faces the rack mounting portion (20a), conveys the rack (10) mounted on the mounting portion (20a) to the dishwasher (12). Rotation to the upstream side of rack transportation is restricted based on the basic posture of the arm (58), and the arm (58) is elastically urged toward the upstream side of rack transportation by the elastic member (64), so that When the pusher (22) returns to the standby position from the carry-in position when the arm (58) comes into contact with the rack (10), the arm (58) can be maintained in the basic posture. Against the elasticity of the elastic member (64), the rack (1
(0) is rotated horizontally to allow the return operation of the pusher (22), and the arm (58) separated from the rack (10) by the return operation of the pusher (22) is provided with the elastic member. A pusher mechanism for a rack carry-in device, characterized in that the push-back mechanism of the rack loading device is configured to be rotated and returned to the original basic posture by the return elasticity of (64).