Title:
DISHWASHING APPARATUS
United States Patent 3804104
Abstract:
A dishwashing apparatus operative to move dishes, glasses silverware, and the like from a loading station to a cleansing area and a rinsing area and an unloading station includes a housing supporting an endless foraminous conveyor above a liquid chamber having a cleansing liquid portion and a rinsing liquid portion and a plurality of sets of liquid moving members and liquid directing members arranged and positioned within the liquid chamber to receive cleansing liquid and rinsing liquid and direct same toward the conveyor and articles thereon in the respective areas.
US Patent References:
Apparatus for treatment of deciduous fruit
Gignard et al. - April 1929 - 1707610
Cleaning device and structural members
Fisher et al. - November 1968 - 3411518
Conveyer drive
McInnis - November 1950 - 2529777
Washing machine
Forsgard - October 1924 - 1512918
Egg cleaning machine
Halverson - January 1968 - 3360817
Apparatus for treatment of deciduous fruit
Gignard et al. - April 1929 - 1707610
Cleaning device and structural members
Fisher et al. - November 1968 - 3411518
Conveyer drive
McInnis - November 1950 - 2529777
Washing machine
Forsgard - October 1924 - 1512918
Egg cleaning machine
Halverson - January 1968 - 3360817
Application Number:
05/250875
Publication Date:
04/16/1974
Filing Date:
05/08/1972
View Patent Images:
Export Citation:
Primary Class:
Other Classes:
134/113, 134/104.300, 134/194
International Classes:
A47L15/06; A47L15/24; A47L15/00; B08B3/02; A47L15/24
Field of Search:
134/48,58D,60,68,72,115G,95,131,193,194,104 198/135
US Patent References:
| 2949120 | Dishwashing machine provided with a garbage grinder disposal unit | August 1960 | Federighi et al. | |
| 3009466 | Electrical control for a dishwasher | November 1961 | Fox et al. | |
| 1896149 | Treating or washing machinery | February 1933 | Zademach | |
| 1761099 | Water-throwing apparatus for washing machines | June 1930 | Anstiss | |
| 2446368 | Conveyer type dishwasher | August 1948 | Haberstump | |
| 3698407 | DISHWASHING MACHINE AND DISH-CONVEYING TABLE WITH RECIRCULATING FLUSHING TROUGH | October 1972 | Noren |
Primary Examiner:
Blum, Daniel
Attorney, Agent or Firm:
Fishman, Gold & Litman
Claims:
What I claim and desire to secure by Letters Patent is
1. A dishwashing apparatus comprising:
2. A dishwashing apparatus comprising:
3. A dishwashing apparatus as set forth in claim 2 wherein:
4. A dishwashing apparatus as set forth in claim 3 wherein:
5. A dishwashing apparatus comprising:
6. an elongated shaft rotatably mounted on said housing and extending substantially parallel with the direction of travel of said conveyor;
7. means operatively connected to said elongated shaft for selectively effecting rotation thereof;
8. a plurality of sets of blades mounted on said elongated shaft and longitudinally spaced therealong and a portion of said sets of blades being positioned within the cleansing area and an other portion of said sets of blades being positioned within the rinsing area and each blade extending outwardly from said shaft, said sets of blades each being adapted to move through liquid and urge a portion of the liquid upwardly;
9. a plurality of chutes positioned with one chute for each set of blades, said chutes being channel shaped members defining an arcuate path having a generally circular portion corresponding to a portion of the path travelled by a free end of each of the blades in said respective set of blades and an end portion extending toward said conveyor and articles thereon.
10. A dishwashing apparatus comprising:
11. A dishwashing apparatus comprising:
12. A dishwashing apparatus comprising:
1. A dishwashing apparatus comprising:
2. A dishwashing apparatus comprising:
3. A dishwashing apparatus as set forth in claim 2 wherein:
4. A dishwashing apparatus as set forth in claim 3 wherein:
5. A dishwashing apparatus comprising:
6. an elongated shaft rotatably mounted on said housing and extending substantially parallel with the direction of travel of said conveyor;
7. means operatively connected to said elongated shaft for selectively effecting rotation thereof;
8. a plurality of sets of blades mounted on said elongated shaft and longitudinally spaced therealong and a portion of said sets of blades being positioned within the cleansing area and an other portion of said sets of blades being positioned within the rinsing area and each blade extending outwardly from said shaft, said sets of blades each being adapted to move through liquid and urge a portion of the liquid upwardly;
9. a plurality of chutes positioned with one chute for each set of blades, said chutes being channel shaped members defining an arcuate path having a generally circular portion corresponding to a portion of the path travelled by a free end of each of the blades in said respective set of blades and an end portion extending toward said conveyor and articles thereon.
10. A dishwashing apparatus comprising:
11. A dishwashing apparatus comprising:
12. A dishwashing apparatus comprising:
Description:
The present invention relates to dishwashing apparatus and, more particularly, to a dishwashing apparatus operative to move articles to be washed from a loading station to a cleansing area and a rinsing area and an unloading station in a substantially continuous movement.
The principal objects of the present invention are: to provide a dishwashing apparatus having automatic operation to move articles to be washed from a loading station to a cleansing area and a rinsing area and an unloading station; to provide such a dishwashing apparatus having components therein operative to direct wash or cleansing liquid and rinse liquid toward a foraminous conveyor and articles to be washed supported thereon; to provide such a dishwashing apparatus operative to continuously change liquid therein and flush away soil during operation thereof; to provide such a dishwashing apparatus operative to maintain a selected liquid level during operation and to automatically drain when turned on; to provide such a dishwashing apparatus providing a continuous supply of water, detergent or cleansing agent, and a chemical sanitizer or germicide at a rate coordinated with the rate of supplying liquid to and draining liquid from the unit; to provide such a dishwashing apparatus permitting simultaneous loading at one end thereof and unloading at an other end thereof; to provide such a dishwashing apparatus having a transparent hood assembly to permit viewing of the cleansing and rinsing of the articles; to provide such a dishwashing apparatus which continuously flushes a loading space or station and cleansing and rinse portions of a liquid chamber automatically; and to provide such a dishwashing apparatus which is economical to manufacture, durable in use, positive in operation, simple in construction and operation, and which is particularly well adapted for the proposed use.
Other objects and advantages of this invention will become apparent from the following description taken in connection with the accompanying drawings wherein are set forth by way of illustration and example certain embodiments of this invention.
The drawings constitute a part of this specification and include an exemplary embodiment illustrating various objects and features of the dishwashing apparatus of the present invention.
FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view of a dishwashing apparatus embodying features of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a front elevational view of the dishwashing apparatus with portions removed and portions broken away to better illustrate operative components therein.
FIG. 3 is an end elevational view with portions of a housing broken away to show operative components in one end thereof.
FIG. 4 is a plan view with portions removed to show liquid directing members within a liquid chamber.
FIG. 5 is a transverse sectional view taken on line 5--5, FIG. 4 and showing members separating a liquid chamber into a cleansing area and a rinsing area.
FIG. 6 is an enlarged fragmentary transverse sectional view taken on line 6--6, FIG. 4 and showing means for directing liquid toward a conveyor and articles thereon.
FIG. 7 is an enlarged fragmentary longitudinal sectional view showing upper and lower runs of a conveyor and means for effecting movement thereof.
FIG. 8 is an enlarged fragmentary elevational view of a liquid moving blade and a liquid directing chute receiving the blade therein.
FIG. 9 is an enlarged fragmentary end elevational view of a liquid moving blade.
FIG. 10 is a schematic wiring diagram for the dishwashing apparatus with the essential operating parts diagramatically shown.
Referring more in detail to the drawings:
As required, detailed embodiments of the present invention are disclosed herein, however, it is to be understood that the disclosed embodiments are merely exemplary of the invention which may be embodied in various forms. Therefore, specific structural and functional details disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting but merely as a basis for the claims and as a representative basis for teaching one skilled in the art to variously employ the present invention in virtually any appropriate detailed structure.
In the disclosed embodiment of the present invention, the reference numeral 1 generally designates a dishwashing apparatus operative to move articles, such as dishes, plates, glasses, silverware, and the like, from a loading station 2 to a cleansing area 3 and a rinsing area 4 and an unloading station 5. The dishwashing apparatus 1 includes a housing 6 supporting an endless foraminous conveyor for movement above a liquid chamber 8 having a portion in the cleansing area 3 and a portion in the rinsing area 4 and a plurality of sets of liquid moving members or blades 9 and liquid directing members or chutes 10 arranged and positioned within the cleansing and rinsing portions of the liquid chamber 8 and in alignment with respective sets of liquid moving members 9 to receive cleansing liquid and rinsing liquid respectively and direct same toward the conveyor 7 and articles (not shown) thereon.
The illustrated housing 6 includes longitudinally spaced end legs 11 and 12 arranged in pairs at opposite ends of the housing 6 and intermediate legs 13 and 14 arranged in pairs and spaced from the end legs 11 and 12 respectively. End walls 15 and 16 extend between the end legs 11 and 12 respectively to close opposite ends of the housing 6. Intermediate walls 17 and 18 extend between the intermediate legs 13 and 14 and are spaced from and substantially parallel with the adjacent end walls 15 and 16. Bottom closure walls 19 and 20 are positioned at opposite ends of the housing 6 and extends between an end wall and an adjacent intermediate wall to define compartments at opposite ends of the housing 6 for enclosing operative components. Front and rear upper side edge members 21 and 22 respectively extend between the end wall 15 and 16 and are suitably secured to the end legs 11 and 12 and to the intermediate legs 13 and 14. The upper side edge members 21 and 22 have upper edges substantially aligned with upper edges of the end walls 15 and 16 to define an upper or top edge of the housing 6.
The illustrated liquid chamber 8 extends between the intermediate walls 17 and 18 and is defined by a wall having a bottom portion 23 and side portions 24 and 25 extending upwardly from the bottom portion 23 and having generally upright upper edge portions 26 and 27 respectively suitably secured to the front and rear side edge members 21 and 22.
A plurality of vanes or baffles 28 are positioned in the liquid chamber 8 and extend between the side portions 24 and 25 and the upper edge portion 26 and 27 to thereby divide the liquid chamber 8 into the cleansing area 3 and the rinsing area 4. The vanes or baffles 28 each have an inclined upper portion 28' positioned to direct liquid toward a portion of the conveyor 7 above the cleansing area 3 and thereby substantially prevent liquid from the cleansing area 3 being directed into the rinsing area 4 which would result in an undesirable mixing of cleansing liquid and rinsing liquid.
The loading station 2 is defined by an upper wall 29 extending between the end wall 15 and the intermediate wall 17. The upper wall 29 is sloped for drainage from the end wall 15 toward the liquid chamber 8. The unloading station 5 is defined by an upper wall 30 extending between the end wall 16 and the intermediate wall 18 and being sloped for drainage toward the liquid chamber 8.
It may be desirable to enclose the sides of the housing 6 and particularly the compartments formed adjacent opposite ends thereof, therefore, front and rear panels 31 and 32 respectively are suitably secured to the end legs 11 and 12 and extend therebetween. The front and rear panels 31 and 32 preferably have upper edges 33 and 34 respectively positioned in covering relation with the upper edges of the side edge members 21 and 22 and the upper edge portions 26 and 27 of the liquid chamber defining wall.
In the illustrated structure, the conveyor 7 is movably supported on a conveyor assembly 35 which is mounted in an upper portion of the housing 6 and which is movable therefrom. The conveyor 7 is effective to move the articles to be cleaned above the blades 9 and the chutes 10 and the conveyor 7 and the articles thereon may be moved in a circular path or a linear path. In the illustrated embodiment, the movement of the conveyor 7 is lineal. The conveyor assembly 35 includes laterally spaced front and rear elongated side rails 36 and 37 respectively. End legs 38 and 39 depend from opposite ends of each of the side rails 36 and 37 and the end legs 38 and 39 have supports or glides 40 depending therefrom and engageable with the upper walls 29 and 30 adjacent respective opposite ends of the housing 6. The side rails 36 and 37 are suitably maintained in spaced relation and end shafts 41 and 42 extend between and have opposite ends thereof rotatably mounted on the side rails 36 and 37 adjacent respective opposite ends thereof, as in suitable bushings (not shown). Suitable rollers are sleeved on the end shafts 41 and 42 and are engaged by opposite end portions of the conveyor 7.
The conveyor 7 is illustrated as a belt formed of a plurality of longitudinally spaced transversely or laterally extending rods or wires 43 connected by laterally spaced longitudinally extending portions 44. The conveyor belt parts are pivotally or otherwise connected to form a belt flexible or bendable longitudinally to a curvature of small radius said conveyor belt being relatively rigid in a transverse direction to support articles thereon without excessive deflection. The conveyor 7 is an endless foraminous member having an upper run 45 and a lower run 46 joined into a continuous or endless structure engageable with and movable around the rollers mounted on the end shafts 41 and 42. The upper and lower runs 45 and 46 are relatively close to require a minimum of height.
It is desirable to support side edges of the upper and lower runs 45 and 46 of the conveyor 7, therefore, the side rails 36 and 37 each have vertically spaced upper and lower flanges extending outwardly therefrom and substantially aligned in respective vertically spaced planes. Suitable intermediate support members extend between the side rails 36 and 37 and are positioned above the upper walls 29 and 30 thereby providing unobstructed passage of liquid through the upper and lower runs 45 and 46 of the conveyor 7.
The dishwashing apparatus 1 includes a hood assembly 47 positioned to retain therein liquid directed through the conveyor 7 to impinge on the articles (not shown) thereon which are to be cleaned and rinsed. The illustrated hood assembly includes a base frame 48 having elongated laterally spaced side members 49 and 50 and longitudinally spaced end members 51 and 52 extending between facing opposite ends of the side members 49 and 50. Corner posts or upright standards 53 extend upwardly from the base frame 48 and are positioned at the respective intersections of the side members and end members thereof.
End walls 54 and 55 extend upwardly from the end members 51 and 52 respectively of the base frame 48 and side walls 56 and 57 extend upwardly from the side members 49 and 50 respectively of the base frame 48 and the end walls 54 and 55 and the side walls 56 and 57 have the ends thereof supported by respective corner posts or standards 53. A top wall 58 extends between upper edges of the side walls 56 and 57 and the top wall 58 is positioned above the liquid chamber 8.
It is desirable to substantially enclose a space above the liquid chamber 8 to retain the liquid within the space, therefore, spaced curtain assemblies 59 and 60 are mounted on the top wall 58 and depend therefrom in substantial alignment with respective opposite ends of the liquid chamber 8, as defined by the intermediate walls 17 and 18 respectively. In the illustrated structure, a suitable mounting strip 61 is mounted on each of the opposite ends of the top wall 58 and supports curtains 62 and 63 depending therefrom. The curtains 62 and 63 preferably are spaced apart layers of heavy fabric, such as fiberglass coated with teflon, and preferably having slits 64 therein to define a plurality of strips 65 in the adjacent layers thereof, the slits 64 of the curtains 62 are offset laterally of the slits in curtains 63 to aid in preventing liquid from passing outwardly of the curtains.
Cleansing liquid and rinsing liquid are directed toward articles on the foraminous conveyor 7 by the water moving blades 9 and the water directing chutes 10. In the illustrated structure, the water moving blades or impellers 9 each have an arm portion extending outwardly from an elongated shaft 66, as later described, and terminating in a substantially U-shaped end portion having outwardly extending and laterally spaced side members which terminate in sharpened ends, as best seen in FIG. 9, which permits the end portion of the impellers or blades 9 to easily enter the liquid with a minimum of resistance. The impellers or blades 9 are arranged in sets, preferably of four blades 9 per set and arranged in circumferentially spaced relation around the elongated shaft 66 which has respective opposite ends thereof rotatably supported on opposite ends of the liquid chamber 8 as defined by the intermediate walls 17 and 18, as in suitable bearings (not shown).
The elongated shaft 66 extends substantially parallel with the direction of travel of the conveyor 7 whereby rotation of the elongated shaft 66 effect movement of the sets of impellers or blades 9 through the respective liquid within the cleansing area 3 and rinsing area 4 of the liquid chamber 8 to urge a portion of the liquid upwardly and into the respective chutes 10.
A suitable drive motor 67 is operatively connected to one end of the elongated shaft 66 for selectively effecting rotation thereof. The drive motor 67 may have a suitable gear reduction unit (not shown) operatively connected thereto and to the shaft 66 for effecting a desired rate of rotation of the shaft 66 and the plurality of sets of impellers or blades 9 mounted thereon.
The chutes 10 are longitudinally spaced between the intermediate walls 17 and 18 and each is illustrated as a generally channel shaped member having a first portion defining an arcuate path which is generally circular and corresponds to a portion of the path travelled by a free end by each of the impellers or blades 9 in the respective sets of blades and an end or discharge portion 68 directed toward a portion of the conveyor 7 and articles (not shown) thereon. It is preferable that the chutes 10 each have an entrance portion 69 positioned below a normal liquid level 70 within the liquid chamber 8 and the discharge portion 68 at different angles whereby collectively the water impellers 9 direct water in a manner that all articles are contacted by the water jetting thereagainst.
The dishwashing apparatus 1 may be connected to any suitable source of hot water having a temperature within the range of 120° to 140° F.. In the illustrated structure, a suitable conduit 71 is connected to the source (not shown) of hot water and has a suitable control valve 71' mounted therein and operative for adjustable flow control to permit operation on water pressures in the range of 15 to 100 pounds per square inch. The conduit 71 having the control valve 71' therein communicates with a suitable solenoid valve 72 which is remotely controlled to permit flow of the hot water into the liquid chamber 8. A conduit 73 extends between the solenoid valve 72 and a suitable vacuum breaker 74 and a conduit 75 extends between the vacuum breaker 74 and the rinsing area 4 of the liquid chamber 8 to thereby supply hot water at a desired rate, such as in the nature of one gallon per minute, to the liquid chamber 8.
A suitable cleansing agent, such as a liquid detergent, is supplied to the cleansing area 3, as by a suitable pump 76 communicating with a source of liquid detergent (not shown) by means of a suitable flexible conduit 77. A motor 78 is operatively connected to the pump 76 for driving same to effect flow of the liquid detergent through a detergent supply conduit 79 communicating with a suitable detergent injector 80 mounted on one of the walls defining the cleansing area 3 within the liquid chamber 8 and preferably positioned above the normal liquid level 70 therein. The injector 80 preferably has means for metering the amount of liquid detergent injected into the cleansing area 3 of the liquid chamber 8 to thereby coordinate same with the amount of hot water supplied to the liquid chamber 8.
It may be desirable to use certain rinse additives in the form of sanitizers, germicides, and the like, such as iodine or 51/4 percent hypochloride. In the illustrated structure, a sanitizer pump 81 is operatively connected to a drive motor 82 to effect flow of the sanitizer through a conduit 83 extending between the pump 81 and a source (not shown) of the sanitizer. A conduit 84 extends between the sanitizer pump 81 and a suitable injector 85 operatively to inject a selected quantity of the sanitizer into the rinsing station 4 of the liquid chamber 8.
Other suitable rinse additives including drying agents, descaling agents, and the like may also be injected into the liquid within the rinsing area 4 of the liquid chamber 8 to thereby substantially reduce water spotting and shorten drying time especially in hard water areas for articles moved by the conveyor 7.
The conveyor 7 is intermittently moved, as later described, to move articles between the loading station 2 and the unloading station 5. A motor is operatively connected to a reciprocating structure having an abutment engaging the conveyor 7 to move same in response to movement of the reciprocating structure in one direction and disengage the abutment on return movement.
In the illustrated structure, movement of the conveyor 7 is effected by operation of a drive motor 86 positioned below the upper wall 30 in the unloading station 5 and operative to rotate a driven shaft 87 extending upwardly through the upper wall 30 and having a cam 88 mounted on an upper end thereof and positioned above the upper wall 30 and engageable with an elongated arm 89 pivotally mounted on the upper wall 30 in the unloading station 5 of the housing 6 and having means on the elongated arm 89 engageable with the conveyor 7 for effecting movement thereof in response to rotation of the cam 88.
The illustrated elongated arm 89 is pivotally mounted on an upstanding shaft 90 extending upwardly from the upper wall 30 and the arm 89 has a planar upper portion 91 positioned substantially parallel with and below the lower run 46 of the conveyor 7 and the arm 89 has spaced flanges 92 and 93 depending from opposite edges of the planar upper portion 91 and positioned to be engaged by the cam 88. Spaced upstanding abutments or projections 94 and 95 are positioned adjacent respective opposite ends of the planar upper portion 91 of the elongated arm 89 and the upstanding abutments or projections 94 and 95 are each illustrated as generally arcuate members facing in the same direction and having an upper end thereof engageable with the rods 43 of the conveyor 7.
The cam 88 effects a reciprocable movement of the projections 94 and 95 whereby a forward movement of one projection occurs while rearward movement of the other projection occurs. The cam 88 is eccentrically mounted on the shaft 87 and has a peripheral edge which is alternately engageable with facing surfaces of the spaced flanges 92 and 93. The cam 88 is positioned between the shaft 90 supporting the arm 89 and one end of the arm 89 whereby alternate engagement of the peripheral edge of the cam 88 with the facing surfaces of the flanges 92 and 93 effects pivotal movement of the arm 89 and thereby reciprocating movement of the ends of the arm 89.
The projections or abutments 94 and 95 each have an end defining an abutment surface engageable with respective rods 43 of the conveyor 7 an inclined upper surface engageable with lower surfaces of the rods 43 of the lower run 46 of the conveyor 7 during reciprocating movement of the ends of the arm 89. The one projection engages one of the rods 43 of the lower run 46 of the conveyor 7 to effect forward movement of the upper run 45 and the articles thereon. The upper surface of the other projection engages and lifts up the rods 43 while moving under same and to a position to effect moving engagement therewith on the return movement of the respective end of the arm 89 to thereby effect intermittent forward movement of the upper run 45 of the conveyor 7.
FIG. 10 illustrates the controls for operation of the dishwashing apparatus 1 wherein suitable conductors are connected to a source of electric power, such as 120 volt alternating current. A conductor 96 is connected to an on-off switch 97 which is mounted on the front panel 31 and electrically connected to a suitable connector strip 98. Suitable conductors extend between the connector strip 98 and the solenoid valve 72, the motor 78 for the detergent pump 76, the drive motor 82 for the sanitizer pump 81, and the drive motor 86 for effecting intermittent movement of the conveyor 7. A conductor 99 extends between the connector strip 98 and a motor starting relay 100 for the drive motor 67, for rotating the elongated shaft 66 and the sets of blades 9 mounted thereon.
A conductor 101 extends between the source of electrical power and a connector strip 102 electrically connected to the solenoid valve 72, the motor 78 for the detergent pump 76, the drive motor 82 for the sanitizer pump 81, and the drive motor 86 for effecting movement of the conveyor 7. A conductor 103 extends between the connector strip and a suitable condenser 104 electrically connected to the drive motor 67 for rotating the elongated shaft 66.
It is desirable to observe the temperature of liquid during operation of the dishwashing apparatus 1, therefore, a suitable dial 105 is mounted in the front panel 31 and is operatively connected to a suitable temperature sensing device or element 106 preferably positioned within the liquid chamber 8 for measuring the temperature of the liquid therein.
Use of a dishwashing apparatus constructed as illustrated and described is extremely simple and requires only turning the switch 97 to the "on" position to complete a circuit to effect a current flow to the drive motor 67 thereby effecting rotation of the elongated shaft 66, current flow to the drive motor 86 which effects movement of the conveyor 7 and current flow to the solenoid valve 72 which starts water flowing continuously from the water supply source into the liquid chamber 8. The switch 97 also completes a circuit which effects current flow to the motor 78 for the detergent pump 76 and to the drive motor 82 for the sanitizer pump 81. Clear water flows into the rinsing station 4 of the liquid chamber 8 through the conduit 75 and at the rate determined by the control valve 71', such as at the rate of 1 gallon per minute.
Detergent and sanitizer are injected into the liquid chamber 8 to enhance washing and sterilization of the articles moved by the conveyor 7. The detergent and sanitizer or germicide are injected at a rate to correspond with the rate of the flow of clear hot water into the liquid chamber 8. Liquid must drain from the liquid chamber 8 at a rate substantially equal to the rate of flow into the liquid chamber 8 through the conduit 75. Therefore, a drain 107 is positioned in the liquid chamber 8 for flow of liquid outwardly therethrough and to a suitable means for disposal thereof (not shown). The drain 107 has an open top upper portion 108 extending to the normal liquid level 70 and an opening 109 positioned below the normal liquid level 70. One of the sets of impeller blades 9 is positioned adjacent the opening 109 in the drain 107 whereby rotation of the elongated shaft 66 effects movement of liquid away from the opening 109 to thereby substantially eliminate draining of liquid from the liquid chamber 8 through the opening 109 during operation whereby the liquid level is at the top of the drain 107. Extensions may be applied to the drain 107 to raise the open top and thereby the liquid level during operation and rotation of the shaft 66. When operation is stopped all of the liquid in the liquid compartment will drain through the opening 109. The chutes 10 are positioned along the path of the continuous flow of liquid and the drive motor 67 rotates the shaft 66 and the sets of impeller blades 9 thereon to recirculate the changing liquid over the articles at approximately 80 gallons per minute. When the switch 97 is moved to the "off" position, the liquid within the liquid chamber 8 automatically drains through the opening 109 in the drain 107.
Articles such as dishes, silverware, glasses, cups, and the like are moved through the hood assembly 47 and onto the conveyor 7 at a position above the upper wall 29 of the loading station 2. Material on the dishes and in the glasses and cups falls onto the upper wall 29, therefore, a liquid directing chute 110 is positioned adjacent the intermediate wall 17 and arranged to receive liquid from one of the sets of impeller blades 9 to thereby direct liquid onto the sloping upper wall 29 to flush material, such as garbage, therefrom, the material and liquid moving down the sloping wall 29 to the liquid chamber 8 adjacent the drain 107.
The articles to be washed are independently supported on the upper run 45 of the conveyor 7. Plates, bowls, cups, glasses, and the like are placed face down and one at a time directly on the upper run 45 of the conveyor 7 and it is preferable that the articles to be washed be separated as individual items and not stacked or placed in trays for best washing and rinsing action.
Particular features of the present invention include the cooperation of the blades 9 and the chutes 10 in directing liquid onto articles to be washed and the continuous flow of liquid from a rinsing area or station to a cleansing area or station during continuous introduction of fresh liquid into the rinsing area and continuous draining of liquid from the cleansing area. The flow of the liquid is from the rinsing area to the cleansing area while the conveyor 7 moves the articles to be cleaned in the opposite direction or from the cleansing area to the rinsing area.
The liquid intake of the blades 9 is from the sides thereof and the spacing between sets of blades 9 permits recirculating the liquid to be thrust toward the conveyor 7 again. The blades 9 distribute the liquid as a spray substantially evenly over the conveyor 7 while the chutes 10 concentrate and intensify the spray into a substantially solid stream to thereby provide stronger washing action. The sides of the blades 9 are formed as knife edges to thereby substantially increase the flow of liquid moved by the blades 9.
It is to be understood that while I have illustrated and described one form of my invention, it is not to be limited to the specific form or arrangement of parts herein described and shown.
The principal objects of the present invention are: to provide a dishwashing apparatus having automatic operation to move articles to be washed from a loading station to a cleansing area and a rinsing area and an unloading station; to provide such a dishwashing apparatus having components therein operative to direct wash or cleansing liquid and rinse liquid toward a foraminous conveyor and articles to be washed supported thereon; to provide such a dishwashing apparatus operative to continuously change liquid therein and flush away soil during operation thereof; to provide such a dishwashing apparatus operative to maintain a selected liquid level during operation and to automatically drain when turned on; to provide such a dishwashing apparatus providing a continuous supply of water, detergent or cleansing agent, and a chemical sanitizer or germicide at a rate coordinated with the rate of supplying liquid to and draining liquid from the unit; to provide such a dishwashing apparatus permitting simultaneous loading at one end thereof and unloading at an other end thereof; to provide such a dishwashing apparatus having a transparent hood assembly to permit viewing of the cleansing and rinsing of the articles; to provide such a dishwashing apparatus which continuously flushes a loading space or station and cleansing and rinse portions of a liquid chamber automatically; and to provide such a dishwashing apparatus which is economical to manufacture, durable in use, positive in operation, simple in construction and operation, and which is particularly well adapted for the proposed use.
Other objects and advantages of this invention will become apparent from the following description taken in connection with the accompanying drawings wherein are set forth by way of illustration and example certain embodiments of this invention.
The drawings constitute a part of this specification and include an exemplary embodiment illustrating various objects and features of the dishwashing apparatus of the present invention.
FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view of a dishwashing apparatus embodying features of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a front elevational view of the dishwashing apparatus with portions removed and portions broken away to better illustrate operative components therein.
FIG. 3 is an end elevational view with portions of a housing broken away to show operative components in one end thereof.
FIG. 4 is a plan view with portions removed to show liquid directing members within a liquid chamber.
FIG. 5 is a transverse sectional view taken on line 5--5, FIG. 4 and showing members separating a liquid chamber into a cleansing area and a rinsing area.
FIG. 6 is an enlarged fragmentary transverse sectional view taken on line 6--6, FIG. 4 and showing means for directing liquid toward a conveyor and articles thereon.
FIG. 7 is an enlarged fragmentary longitudinal sectional view showing upper and lower runs of a conveyor and means for effecting movement thereof.
FIG. 8 is an enlarged fragmentary elevational view of a liquid moving blade and a liquid directing chute receiving the blade therein.
FIG. 9 is an enlarged fragmentary end elevational view of a liquid moving blade.
FIG. 10 is a schematic wiring diagram for the dishwashing apparatus with the essential operating parts diagramatically shown.
Referring more in detail to the drawings:
As required, detailed embodiments of the present invention are disclosed herein, however, it is to be understood that the disclosed embodiments are merely exemplary of the invention which may be embodied in various forms. Therefore, specific structural and functional details disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting but merely as a basis for the claims and as a representative basis for teaching one skilled in the art to variously employ the present invention in virtually any appropriate detailed structure.
In the disclosed embodiment of the present invention, the reference numeral 1 generally designates a dishwashing apparatus operative to move articles, such as dishes, plates, glasses, silverware, and the like, from a loading station 2 to a cleansing area 3 and a rinsing area 4 and an unloading station 5. The dishwashing apparatus 1 includes a housing 6 supporting an endless foraminous conveyor for movement above a liquid chamber 8 having a portion in the cleansing area 3 and a portion in the rinsing area 4 and a plurality of sets of liquid moving members or blades 9 and liquid directing members or chutes 10 arranged and positioned within the cleansing and rinsing portions of the liquid chamber 8 and in alignment with respective sets of liquid moving members 9 to receive cleansing liquid and rinsing liquid respectively and direct same toward the conveyor 7 and articles (not shown) thereon.
The illustrated housing 6 includes longitudinally spaced end legs 11 and 12 arranged in pairs at opposite ends of the housing 6 and intermediate legs 13 and 14 arranged in pairs and spaced from the end legs 11 and 12 respectively. End walls 15 and 16 extend between the end legs 11 and 12 respectively to close opposite ends of the housing 6. Intermediate walls 17 and 18 extend between the intermediate legs 13 and 14 and are spaced from and substantially parallel with the adjacent end walls 15 and 16. Bottom closure walls 19 and 20 are positioned at opposite ends of the housing 6 and extends between an end wall and an adjacent intermediate wall to define compartments at opposite ends of the housing 6 for enclosing operative components. Front and rear upper side edge members 21 and 22 respectively extend between the end wall 15 and 16 and are suitably secured to the end legs 11 and 12 and to the intermediate legs 13 and 14. The upper side edge members 21 and 22 have upper edges substantially aligned with upper edges of the end walls 15 and 16 to define an upper or top edge of the housing 6.
The illustrated liquid chamber 8 extends between the intermediate walls 17 and 18 and is defined by a wall having a bottom portion 23 and side portions 24 and 25 extending upwardly from the bottom portion 23 and having generally upright upper edge portions 26 and 27 respectively suitably secured to the front and rear side edge members 21 and 22.
A plurality of vanes or baffles 28 are positioned in the liquid chamber 8 and extend between the side portions 24 and 25 and the upper edge portion 26 and 27 to thereby divide the liquid chamber 8 into the cleansing area 3 and the rinsing area 4. The vanes or baffles 28 each have an inclined upper portion 28' positioned to direct liquid toward a portion of the conveyor 7 above the cleansing area 3 and thereby substantially prevent liquid from the cleansing area 3 being directed into the rinsing area 4 which would result in an undesirable mixing of cleansing liquid and rinsing liquid.
The loading station 2 is defined by an upper wall 29 extending between the end wall 15 and the intermediate wall 17. The upper wall 29 is sloped for drainage from the end wall 15 toward the liquid chamber 8. The unloading station 5 is defined by an upper wall 30 extending between the end wall 16 and the intermediate wall 18 and being sloped for drainage toward the liquid chamber 8.
It may be desirable to enclose the sides of the housing 6 and particularly the compartments formed adjacent opposite ends thereof, therefore, front and rear panels 31 and 32 respectively are suitably secured to the end legs 11 and 12 and extend therebetween. The front and rear panels 31 and 32 preferably have upper edges 33 and 34 respectively positioned in covering relation with the upper edges of the side edge members 21 and 22 and the upper edge portions 26 and 27 of the liquid chamber defining wall.
In the illustrated structure, the conveyor 7 is movably supported on a conveyor assembly 35 which is mounted in an upper portion of the housing 6 and which is movable therefrom. The conveyor 7 is effective to move the articles to be cleaned above the blades 9 and the chutes 10 and the conveyor 7 and the articles thereon may be moved in a circular path or a linear path. In the illustrated embodiment, the movement of the conveyor 7 is lineal. The conveyor assembly 35 includes laterally spaced front and rear elongated side rails 36 and 37 respectively. End legs 38 and 39 depend from opposite ends of each of the side rails 36 and 37 and the end legs 38 and 39 have supports or glides 40 depending therefrom and engageable with the upper walls 29 and 30 adjacent respective opposite ends of the housing 6. The side rails 36 and 37 are suitably maintained in spaced relation and end shafts 41 and 42 extend between and have opposite ends thereof rotatably mounted on the side rails 36 and 37 adjacent respective opposite ends thereof, as in suitable bushings (not shown). Suitable rollers are sleeved on the end shafts 41 and 42 and are engaged by opposite end portions of the conveyor 7.
The conveyor 7 is illustrated as a belt formed of a plurality of longitudinally spaced transversely or laterally extending rods or wires 43 connected by laterally spaced longitudinally extending portions 44. The conveyor belt parts are pivotally or otherwise connected to form a belt flexible or bendable longitudinally to a curvature of small radius said conveyor belt being relatively rigid in a transverse direction to support articles thereon without excessive deflection. The conveyor 7 is an endless foraminous member having an upper run 45 and a lower run 46 joined into a continuous or endless structure engageable with and movable around the rollers mounted on the end shafts 41 and 42. The upper and lower runs 45 and 46 are relatively close to require a minimum of height.
It is desirable to support side edges of the upper and lower runs 45 and 46 of the conveyor 7, therefore, the side rails 36 and 37 each have vertically spaced upper and lower flanges extending outwardly therefrom and substantially aligned in respective vertically spaced planes. Suitable intermediate support members extend between the side rails 36 and 37 and are positioned above the upper walls 29 and 30 thereby providing unobstructed passage of liquid through the upper and lower runs 45 and 46 of the conveyor 7.
The dishwashing apparatus 1 includes a hood assembly 47 positioned to retain therein liquid directed through the conveyor 7 to impinge on the articles (not shown) thereon which are to be cleaned and rinsed. The illustrated hood assembly includes a base frame 48 having elongated laterally spaced side members 49 and 50 and longitudinally spaced end members 51 and 52 extending between facing opposite ends of the side members 49 and 50. Corner posts or upright standards 53 extend upwardly from the base frame 48 and are positioned at the respective intersections of the side members and end members thereof.
End walls 54 and 55 extend upwardly from the end members 51 and 52 respectively of the base frame 48 and side walls 56 and 57 extend upwardly from the side members 49 and 50 respectively of the base frame 48 and the end walls 54 and 55 and the side walls 56 and 57 have the ends thereof supported by respective corner posts or standards 53. A top wall 58 extends between upper edges of the side walls 56 and 57 and the top wall 58 is positioned above the liquid chamber 8.
It is desirable to substantially enclose a space above the liquid chamber 8 to retain the liquid within the space, therefore, spaced curtain assemblies 59 and 60 are mounted on the top wall 58 and depend therefrom in substantial alignment with respective opposite ends of the liquid chamber 8, as defined by the intermediate walls 17 and 18 respectively. In the illustrated structure, a suitable mounting strip 61 is mounted on each of the opposite ends of the top wall 58 and supports curtains 62 and 63 depending therefrom. The curtains 62 and 63 preferably are spaced apart layers of heavy fabric, such as fiberglass coated with teflon, and preferably having slits 64 therein to define a plurality of strips 65 in the adjacent layers thereof, the slits 64 of the curtains 62 are offset laterally of the slits in curtains 63 to aid in preventing liquid from passing outwardly of the curtains.
Cleansing liquid and rinsing liquid are directed toward articles on the foraminous conveyor 7 by the water moving blades 9 and the water directing chutes 10. In the illustrated structure, the water moving blades or impellers 9 each have an arm portion extending outwardly from an elongated shaft 66, as later described, and terminating in a substantially U-shaped end portion having outwardly extending and laterally spaced side members which terminate in sharpened ends, as best seen in FIG. 9, which permits the end portion of the impellers or blades 9 to easily enter the liquid with a minimum of resistance. The impellers or blades 9 are arranged in sets, preferably of four blades 9 per set and arranged in circumferentially spaced relation around the elongated shaft 66 which has respective opposite ends thereof rotatably supported on opposite ends of the liquid chamber 8 as defined by the intermediate walls 17 and 18, as in suitable bearings (not shown).
The elongated shaft 66 extends substantially parallel with the direction of travel of the conveyor 7 whereby rotation of the elongated shaft 66 effect movement of the sets of impellers or blades 9 through the respective liquid within the cleansing area 3 and rinsing area 4 of the liquid chamber 8 to urge a portion of the liquid upwardly and into the respective chutes 10.
A suitable drive motor 67 is operatively connected to one end of the elongated shaft 66 for selectively effecting rotation thereof. The drive motor 67 may have a suitable gear reduction unit (not shown) operatively connected thereto and to the shaft 66 for effecting a desired rate of rotation of the shaft 66 and the plurality of sets of impellers or blades 9 mounted thereon.
The chutes 10 are longitudinally spaced between the intermediate walls 17 and 18 and each is illustrated as a generally channel shaped member having a first portion defining an arcuate path which is generally circular and corresponds to a portion of the path travelled by a free end by each of the impellers or blades 9 in the respective sets of blades and an end or discharge portion 68 directed toward a portion of the conveyor 7 and articles (not shown) thereon. It is preferable that the chutes 10 each have an entrance portion 69 positioned below a normal liquid level 70 within the liquid chamber 8 and the discharge portion 68 at different angles whereby collectively the water impellers 9 direct water in a manner that all articles are contacted by the water jetting thereagainst.
The dishwashing apparatus 1 may be connected to any suitable source of hot water having a temperature within the range of 120° to 140° F.. In the illustrated structure, a suitable conduit 71 is connected to the source (not shown) of hot water and has a suitable control valve 71' mounted therein and operative for adjustable flow control to permit operation on water pressures in the range of 15 to 100 pounds per square inch. The conduit 71 having the control valve 71' therein communicates with a suitable solenoid valve 72 which is remotely controlled to permit flow of the hot water into the liquid chamber 8. A conduit 73 extends between the solenoid valve 72 and a suitable vacuum breaker 74 and a conduit 75 extends between the vacuum breaker 74 and the rinsing area 4 of the liquid chamber 8 to thereby supply hot water at a desired rate, such as in the nature of one gallon per minute, to the liquid chamber 8.
A suitable cleansing agent, such as a liquid detergent, is supplied to the cleansing area 3, as by a suitable pump 76 communicating with a source of liquid detergent (not shown) by means of a suitable flexible conduit 77. A motor 78 is operatively connected to the pump 76 for driving same to effect flow of the liquid detergent through a detergent supply conduit 79 communicating with a suitable detergent injector 80 mounted on one of the walls defining the cleansing area 3 within the liquid chamber 8 and preferably positioned above the normal liquid level 70 therein. The injector 80 preferably has means for metering the amount of liquid detergent injected into the cleansing area 3 of the liquid chamber 8 to thereby coordinate same with the amount of hot water supplied to the liquid chamber 8.
It may be desirable to use certain rinse additives in the form of sanitizers, germicides, and the like, such as iodine or 51/4 percent hypochloride. In the illustrated structure, a sanitizer pump 81 is operatively connected to a drive motor 82 to effect flow of the sanitizer through a conduit 83 extending between the pump 81 and a source (not shown) of the sanitizer. A conduit 84 extends between the sanitizer pump 81 and a suitable injector 85 operatively to inject a selected quantity of the sanitizer into the rinsing station 4 of the liquid chamber 8.
Other suitable rinse additives including drying agents, descaling agents, and the like may also be injected into the liquid within the rinsing area 4 of the liquid chamber 8 to thereby substantially reduce water spotting and shorten drying time especially in hard water areas for articles moved by the conveyor 7.
The conveyor 7 is intermittently moved, as later described, to move articles between the loading station 2 and the unloading station 5. A motor is operatively connected to a reciprocating structure having an abutment engaging the conveyor 7 to move same in response to movement of the reciprocating structure in one direction and disengage the abutment on return movement.
In the illustrated structure, movement of the conveyor 7 is effected by operation of a drive motor 86 positioned below the upper wall 30 in the unloading station 5 and operative to rotate a driven shaft 87 extending upwardly through the upper wall 30 and having a cam 88 mounted on an upper end thereof and positioned above the upper wall 30 and engageable with an elongated arm 89 pivotally mounted on the upper wall 30 in the unloading station 5 of the housing 6 and having means on the elongated arm 89 engageable with the conveyor 7 for effecting movement thereof in response to rotation of the cam 88.
The illustrated elongated arm 89 is pivotally mounted on an upstanding shaft 90 extending upwardly from the upper wall 30 and the arm 89 has a planar upper portion 91 positioned substantially parallel with and below the lower run 46 of the conveyor 7 and the arm 89 has spaced flanges 92 and 93 depending from opposite edges of the planar upper portion 91 and positioned to be engaged by the cam 88. Spaced upstanding abutments or projections 94 and 95 are positioned adjacent respective opposite ends of the planar upper portion 91 of the elongated arm 89 and the upstanding abutments or projections 94 and 95 are each illustrated as generally arcuate members facing in the same direction and having an upper end thereof engageable with the rods 43 of the conveyor 7.
The cam 88 effects a reciprocable movement of the projections 94 and 95 whereby a forward movement of one projection occurs while rearward movement of the other projection occurs. The cam 88 is eccentrically mounted on the shaft 87 and has a peripheral edge which is alternately engageable with facing surfaces of the spaced flanges 92 and 93. The cam 88 is positioned between the shaft 90 supporting the arm 89 and one end of the arm 89 whereby alternate engagement of the peripheral edge of the cam 88 with the facing surfaces of the flanges 92 and 93 effects pivotal movement of the arm 89 and thereby reciprocating movement of the ends of the arm 89.
The projections or abutments 94 and 95 each have an end defining an abutment surface engageable with respective rods 43 of the conveyor 7 an inclined upper surface engageable with lower surfaces of the rods 43 of the lower run 46 of the conveyor 7 during reciprocating movement of the ends of the arm 89. The one projection engages one of the rods 43 of the lower run 46 of the conveyor 7 to effect forward movement of the upper run 45 and the articles thereon. The upper surface of the other projection engages and lifts up the rods 43 while moving under same and to a position to effect moving engagement therewith on the return movement of the respective end of the arm 89 to thereby effect intermittent forward movement of the upper run 45 of the conveyor 7.
FIG. 10 illustrates the controls for operation of the dishwashing apparatus 1 wherein suitable conductors are connected to a source of electric power, such as 120 volt alternating current. A conductor 96 is connected to an on-off switch 97 which is mounted on the front panel 31 and electrically connected to a suitable connector strip 98. Suitable conductors extend between the connector strip 98 and the solenoid valve 72, the motor 78 for the detergent pump 76, the drive motor 82 for the sanitizer pump 81, and the drive motor 86 for effecting intermittent movement of the conveyor 7. A conductor 99 extends between the connector strip 98 and a motor starting relay 100 for the drive motor 67, for rotating the elongated shaft 66 and the sets of blades 9 mounted thereon.
A conductor 101 extends between the source of electrical power and a connector strip 102 electrically connected to the solenoid valve 72, the motor 78 for the detergent pump 76, the drive motor 82 for the sanitizer pump 81, and the drive motor 86 for effecting movement of the conveyor 7. A conductor 103 extends between the connector strip and a suitable condenser 104 electrically connected to the drive motor 67 for rotating the elongated shaft 66.
It is desirable to observe the temperature of liquid during operation of the dishwashing apparatus 1, therefore, a suitable dial 105 is mounted in the front panel 31 and is operatively connected to a suitable temperature sensing device or element 106 preferably positioned within the liquid chamber 8 for measuring the temperature of the liquid therein.
Use of a dishwashing apparatus constructed as illustrated and described is extremely simple and requires only turning the switch 97 to the "on" position to complete a circuit to effect a current flow to the drive motor 67 thereby effecting rotation of the elongated shaft 66, current flow to the drive motor 86 which effects movement of the conveyor 7 and current flow to the solenoid valve 72 which starts water flowing continuously from the water supply source into the liquid chamber 8. The switch 97 also completes a circuit which effects current flow to the motor 78 for the detergent pump 76 and to the drive motor 82 for the sanitizer pump 81. Clear water flows into the rinsing station 4 of the liquid chamber 8 through the conduit 75 and at the rate determined by the control valve 71', such as at the rate of 1 gallon per minute.
Detergent and sanitizer are injected into the liquid chamber 8 to enhance washing and sterilization of the articles moved by the conveyor 7. The detergent and sanitizer or germicide are injected at a rate to correspond with the rate of the flow of clear hot water into the liquid chamber 8. Liquid must drain from the liquid chamber 8 at a rate substantially equal to the rate of flow into the liquid chamber 8 through the conduit 75. Therefore, a drain 107 is positioned in the liquid chamber 8 for flow of liquid outwardly therethrough and to a suitable means for disposal thereof (not shown). The drain 107 has an open top upper portion 108 extending to the normal liquid level 70 and an opening 109 positioned below the normal liquid level 70. One of the sets of impeller blades 9 is positioned adjacent the opening 109 in the drain 107 whereby rotation of the elongated shaft 66 effects movement of liquid away from the opening 109 to thereby substantially eliminate draining of liquid from the liquid chamber 8 through the opening 109 during operation whereby the liquid level is at the top of the drain 107. Extensions may be applied to the drain 107 to raise the open top and thereby the liquid level during operation and rotation of the shaft 66. When operation is stopped all of the liquid in the liquid compartment will drain through the opening 109. The chutes 10 are positioned along the path of the continuous flow of liquid and the drive motor 67 rotates the shaft 66 and the sets of impeller blades 9 thereon to recirculate the changing liquid over the articles at approximately 80 gallons per minute. When the switch 97 is moved to the "off" position, the liquid within the liquid chamber 8 automatically drains through the opening 109 in the drain 107.
Articles such as dishes, silverware, glasses, cups, and the like are moved through the hood assembly 47 and onto the conveyor 7 at a position above the upper wall 29 of the loading station 2. Material on the dishes and in the glasses and cups falls onto the upper wall 29, therefore, a liquid directing chute 110 is positioned adjacent the intermediate wall 17 and arranged to receive liquid from one of the sets of impeller blades 9 to thereby direct liquid onto the sloping upper wall 29 to flush material, such as garbage, therefrom, the material and liquid moving down the sloping wall 29 to the liquid chamber 8 adjacent the drain 107.
The articles to be washed are independently supported on the upper run 45 of the conveyor 7. Plates, bowls, cups, glasses, and the like are placed face down and one at a time directly on the upper run 45 of the conveyor 7 and it is preferable that the articles to be washed be separated as individual items and not stacked or placed in trays for best washing and rinsing action.
Particular features of the present invention include the cooperation of the blades 9 and the chutes 10 in directing liquid onto articles to be washed and the continuous flow of liquid from a rinsing area or station to a cleansing area or station during continuous introduction of fresh liquid into the rinsing area and continuous draining of liquid from the cleansing area. The flow of the liquid is from the rinsing area to the cleansing area while the conveyor 7 moves the articles to be cleaned in the opposite direction or from the cleansing area to the rinsing area.
The liquid intake of the blades 9 is from the sides thereof and the spacing between sets of blades 9 permits recirculating the liquid to be thrust toward the conveyor 7 again. The blades 9 distribute the liquid as a spray substantially evenly over the conveyor 7 while the chutes 10 concentrate and intensify the spray into a substantially solid stream to thereby provide stronger washing action. The sides of the blades 9 are formed as knife edges to thereby substantially increase the flow of liquid moved by the blades 9.
It is to be understood that while I have illustrated and described one form of my invention, it is not to be limited to the specific form or arrangement of parts herein described and shown.