Washing liquid supply device and method

Abstract

To provide a detergent supply device for a dishwasher that allows powder / granular detergent to be dissolved in jetted water smoothly, and does not cause the problems of insufficient dissolving of detergent, hydration and inactivation of a component, etc. even when water pressure is low.SOLUTION: A washing liquid supply device 30 includes: a container 32 for storing powder / granular detergent 31; an opening 33 provided at one end of the container 32; a net-like member 35 disposed while covering the opening 33; a releasing hole 40 provided to the net-like member 35; and a nozzle 36 for jetting water to the inside of the container 32 installed with the opening 33 turned downward, through the releasing hole 40.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a cleaning liquid supply device and method, particularly to a device for automatically supplying an aqueous solution of a detergent to a commercial automatic dishwashing machine and a method therefor.

Background Art

[0002] As detergents used in commercial automatic dishwashing machines, there are liquid-type detergents, powder / granule-type detergents, and solid-type detergents, etc. These detergents can be supplied as they are from a cleaning liquid supply device provided as an independent unit, or as a cleaning liquid diluted or dissolved with water, to an automatic dishwashing machine, and various proposals have been made therefor.

[0003] For example, Patent Document 1 describes a detergent supply unit that predicts the number of times a liquid-type detergent is used up and performs detergent replacement in a detergent container according to the predicted set number of times.

[0004] Patent Document 2 describes a system that automatically supplies a cleaning liquid obtained by dropping a powder / granule detergent into a mixing chamber according to the measurement of the concentration in a cleaning tank and supplying water thereto, to the cleaning tank of an automatic dishwashing machine.

[0005] Patent Document 3 describes a detergent supply device that uses a solid-type detergent, sprays water onto the bottom of the solid detergent supported by a net to dissolve it according to the supply of rinsing water to an automatic dishwashing machine, and supplies the obtained detergent solution to the dishwashing machine.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0006]

Patent Document 1

Patent Document 2

Patent Document 3

[0007] Powdered and granular detergents have advantages such as being more portable than liquid detergents and having better solubility and refillability than solid detergents, but they can solidify and become sticky due to moisture absorption, losing their fluidity. In the system described in Patent Document 2, stirring blades are installed inside the hopper to address the solidification and sticking of powdered and granular detergents in containers, etc., and the system is configured to scrape the powdered and granular detergents into the mixing chamber, but this inevitably leads to a larger and more complex apparatus.

[0008] Figure 1 shows a schematic operation of another apparatus used for powder / granular detergents, which does not have the aforementioned drawbacks. The powder / granular detergent 1 is placed in a wide-mouthed bottle-shaped container 2, and the container 2 is loaded into a holder 4 with the opening 3 facing downwards. The opening 3 is covered with a mesh cap 5 as shown in Figure 2, and dissolved water 7 is sprayed upwards from nozzles 6, which are spaced below the mesh cap 5, to dissolve the detergent. In Figure 1, the detergent is shown dissolved in a dome shape, but this is illustrative, and the state of dissolution may vary depending on the physical properties of the powder or granules. The resulting cleaning solution (detergent solution) 8 is sent through a passage 9 located at the bottom of the holder 4 to a dishwasher (not shown).

[0009] Although Patent Document 3 does not describe the details of the mesh or solid detergent, when the powder / granular detergent 1 in the container 2 is supported by a mesh cap as shown in Figure 1, it is necessary to use a mesh with a small opening to prevent the powder from passing through. However, in such a configuration, the parts of the mesh other than the openings act as resistance, preventing some of the sprayed water from passing through, or resulting in insufficient water volume or weakened force of the sprayed water, thus reducing solubility. Depending on the water pressure, etc., sufficient operation may not be obtained even if installed, and problems may arise where the powder / granular detergent does not dissolve in the container.

[0010] Furthermore, when water is sprayed onto powdered or granular detergent through a mesh, uniform spraying is difficult. In addition to the problem of undissolved particles, uneven wetting can lead to hydration or deactivation of the components of the powdered or granular detergent. Uniform spraying at a wide angle is particularly difficult because the unit pressure per area decreases. If the spray intensity is increased at a narrow angle, the water flow may concentrate on a portion of the powdered or granular detergent in the container, causing the entire detergent to hydrate, which can easily lead to solidification or deactivation of the components.

[0011] The object of the present invention is to provide a dishwasher detergent supply device for automatically supplying a cleaning solution obtained from powdered or granular detergent to a dishwasher, which can dissolve the powdered or granular detergent well in the water being sprayed, and which does not cause problems such as undissolved powdered or granular detergent or hydration and deactivation of components even at low water pressure.

[0012] Another object of the present invention is to provide a method for automatically supplying a cleaning solution obtained from powdered or granular detergent to a dishwasher, wherein the powdered or granular detergent can be well dissolved in the water being sprayed, and even at low water pressure, problems such as undissolved powdered or granular detergent, hydration, or deactivation of components do not occur. [Means for solving the problem]

[0013] According to one exemplary embodiment of the present invention, a detergent supply device is provided, comprising a container for containing powdered or granular detergent, an opening provided at one end of the container, a mesh member positioned to cover the opening, an opening provided in the mesh member, and a nozzle for spraying water into the container through the opening, with the opening facing downwards. In this embodiment, water is sprayed from below onto the powdered or granular detergent in the container without being obstructed by the mesh member. Therefore, even if the water pressure (water volume) is somewhat low, sufficient water can be supplied to dissolve the powdered or granular detergent, expanding the range of automatic dishwashers that can be installed and reducing the problem of undissolved residue in the container.

[0014] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the mesh member has a circular shape, and the opening is formed in the center of the mesh member. The opening of the container may also have a circular shape corresponding to the mesh member, and the diameter of the opening may be, for example, about 9 to 10 cm. There are no particular restrictions on the shape of the mesh of the mesh member, and it can have a grid pattern of squares or rectangles, a pattern of slits arranged radially, or a pattern of circular punch holes densely arranged. When radial slits are used, radial slits of different sizes and positions can be appropriately arranged from the center of the circle outwards. The opening may be circular, and its diameter may be, for example, about the same as the diameter of the tip of the nozzle, for example, about 1 to 2 cm, and in a typical example, about 1.4 cm. As a result, the water sprayed from the nozzle is guided directly into the container without being subjected to resistance by the mesh of the mesh member.

[0015] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the nozzle is a wide-angle nozzle provided adjacent to the opening. The wide-angle nozzle is a nozzle capable of spraying water in a conical shape over a spray angle of, for example, 90° to 110°. This makes it possible to spray dissolved water broadly and uniformly and directly onto powdered or granular detergent inside the container that is exposed toward the opening of the container. In one example, the spray angle of the wide-angle nozzle may be 100°.

[0016] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the nozzle is provided with a covering at its tip. As described above, the nozzle can be positioned adjacent to the opening, but a gap may be formed between it and the mesh member or the peripheral portion of the opening. The covering may have, for example, a cylindrical portion that fits over the nozzle and an annular flange extending radially outward from one end of the cylindrical portion. For example, even if there is some misalignment in the positioning of the container (mesh member) relative to the nozzle, this flange can seal the gap and prevent the permeation of powdered or granular detergent. The outer diameter of the annular flange may be larger than the diameter of the opening.

[0017] Furthermore, the cleaning fluid supply device of the present invention can also be provided by replacing the mesh cap of a device such as the one shown in Figure 1 with the mesh member of the present invention. In this case, the nozzle may be located below the mesh member at a distance of, for example, 10 to 20 mm, typically about 15 mm. Therefore, a nozzle extension pipe or the like may be used as appropriate to position the nozzle adjacent to the opening.

[0018] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the container may be a cartridge container filled with the powdered or granular detergent. The cartridge container may be, for example, a cylindrical resin bottle capable of holding about 3 to 4 kg of powdered or granular detergent, and an opening provided at one end thereof may be equipped with a water-soluble film. The water-soluble film can prevent the powdered or granular detergent from passing through the mesh member prior to the spraying of the dissolving water when the cartridge container is installed with the opening facing downwards, i.e., upside down. After the spraying of the dissolving water begins, the water-soluble film dissolves, allowing the dissolving water to be sprayed directly onto the powdered or granular detergent, and allowing the generated cleaning solution to pass through the mesh member.

[0019] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the mesh member of the cartridge container may be a mesh cap that covers the water-soluble film and is fitted onto the container. The cartridge container may have a cylindrical neck portion that forms the opening, and the mesh cap may have an opening in the center and be fitted over the neck portion and attached to the cartridge container by screwing or other means. The mesh cap may be further sealed with a virgin seal. According to one example of use, the user peels off the virgin seal and places the cartridge container with the opening facing downwards and the opening of the mesh cap adjacent to the nozzle. When the powder or granular detergent is used up, the cartridge container is discarded and a new cartridge container is installed.

[0020] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the container may be a refillable container that can be refilled with the powdered or granular detergent. The refillable container may be configured as a cylindrical resin hopper capable of holding, for example, about 4 kg of powdered or granular detergent, and an openable and closable opening for refilling, i.e., replenishment, is provided separately from the opening located at the bottom of the hopper. For example, this opening may be provided at the upper end of the hopper and be openable and closable by a lid. When a refillable container is used, a powder permeation prevention plate may be provided at the opening. This prevents the detergent from permeating through the mesh member and clogging the supply path of the cleaning liquid when, for example, about 2 kg of powdered or granular detergent is put in from the upper end of the hopper.

[0021] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the cleaning solution supply device includes a holder for accommodating the container, the nozzle is positioned in the holder, and the cleaning solution produced by spraying water onto the powdered or granular detergent is supplied through the holder. In one example, the holder may have a stepped cup shape, and the container may be received in the holder at a shoulder portion corresponding to the step. The nozzle may be positioned adjacent to an opening when the container is received in the holder. The holder may have a cover as appropriate to prevent foreign matter from entering when no cartridge or refill container is in place. The holder may also include a channel for guiding the cleaning solution produced by spraying water onto the powdered or granular detergent to an automatic dishwasher.

[0022] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, an automatic dishwasher is provided equipped with a cleaning solution supply device having the above-described configuration. The automatic dishwasher may, for example, have a configuration in which cleaning solution in a washing tank is sprayed onto dishes placed inside the machine, and the cleaning solution supply device may supply cleaning solution to the automatic dishwasher in accordance with the measurement of the cleaning solution concentration in the washing tank. The automatic dishwasher itself may be manufactured and sold independently of the cleaning solution supply device of the present invention, and the cleaning solution supply device of the present invention may be separately installed at the installation site to automatically supply cleaning solution to such an automatic dishwasher.

[0023] According to another exemplary aspect of the present invention, a cleaning liquid supply method is provided. For example, this method includes storing a powdery or granular detergent in a container having an opening at one end, installing the container above a nozzle with the opening facing downwards, arranging a net-like member having an opening over the opening, spraying water uniformly from the nozzle into the container through the opening onto the surface of the powdery or granular detergent in the container to dissolve it and generate a cleaning liquid, and guiding the cleaning liquid to a dishwasher. According to this aspect, water is directly sprayed from a lower nozzle onto the powdery or granular detergent in the container through the opening of the net-like member. Therefore, even if the water pressure (water volume) is somewhat low, sufficient dissolved water can be supplied to the powdery or granular detergent, and the problem of undissolved powdery or granular detergent remaining in the container is also reduced.

Effects of the Invention

[0024] As described above, in the case of the structure that supplies dissolved water by passing through a net-like cap as shown in FIG. 1, the net-like cap becomes a resistance and the dissolved water cannot be sufficiently supplied into the container. Therefore, in a site with low water pressure (water volume), there are problems such as the dissolved water not being able to pass through the net-like cap or the amount and momentum of the water passing through being small and difficult to supply. Also, in order to allow the dissolved water to pass through the net-like cap, it is necessary to install a nozzle with a relatively narrow included angle. Therefore, holes are likely to open in a part of the powdery or granular detergent at an early stage, and the entire powder is likely to hydrate, resulting in component deactivation and hydration solidification.

[0025] According to the cleaning liquid supply device and method of the present invention, the dissolved water is directly sprayed onto the powdery or granular detergent, and 100% of the dissolved water is supplied to the powdery or granular detergent without resistance. Therefore, for example, it is possible to supply dissolved water at a lower water pressure (water volume) than in the case of FIG. 1. The sites where the cleaning liquid supply device can be installed are expanded, and since a wide-angle nozzle can be selected, it is possible to spray the dissolved water widely and thinly. Since holes do not open partially in the powdery or granular detergent, it is difficult for the whole to hydrate, and it is also effective against problems such as component deactivation and hydration solidification.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0026] [Figure 1] This is an explanatory diagram illustrating a schematic state during operation of an example of equipment used for powder and granular type detergents. [Figure 2] This is a plan view showing an example of a mesh cap used in the device shown in Figure 1. [Figure 3] This is an explanatory diagram showing an example of an automatic dishwasher that can be used in conjunction with the cleaning solution supply device of the present invention. [Figure 4] This is an explanatory diagram showing a schematic state during operation of one embodiment of the cleaning fluid supply device of the present invention. [Figure 4A] Figure 4 is an exploded view showing the positional relationship of the parts in the nozzle section. [Figure 5] This is a plan view of an example of a mesh cap that can be used in the cleaning fluid supply device of the present invention. [Figure 6] This is an exploded view showing an example of the positional relationship of the components of the cleaning fluid supply device of the present invention. [Figure 7] This is an explanatory diagram showing a schematic state during operation of another embodiment of the cleaning fluid supply device of the present invention. [Figure 8] This is an exploded view showing an example of the positional relationship of the components of the cleaning fluid supply device of the present invention. [Figure 9] Figures 1 and 4 are explanatory diagrams illustrating the image of the dissolution state of powdered and granular detergents in the cleaning solution supply devices. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0027] An exemplary commercial automatic dishwasher capable of being operated with the detergent supply device of the present invention will be described with reference to Figure 3. The commercial automatic dishwasher 10 has a housing 11, a washing chamber 12 located in the upper part of the housing 11, and a washing tank 13 located in the lower part.

[0028] The washing chamber 12 has a storage space 16 in which items to be washed 14, such as dishes, can be accommodated by racks 15, and the items to be washed 14 are subjected to washing with washing water and rinsing with rinse water. In a typical example, washing is performed for about 50 seconds, followed by rinsing for about 10 seconds.

[0029] Above and below the containment space 16, there are pairs of washing nozzles 17 for spraying washing water to wash the object to be washed 14, and pairs of rinsing nozzles 18 for spraying rinsing water to rinse the object. Washing tank 13 stores washing water 19 of a predetermined concentration, which is supplied under pressure to the washing nozzles 17 through the washing liquid pipe 21 by the washing pump 20. The washing nozzles 17 spray the washing water 19 sent from the washing tank 13 by the washing pump 20 onto the object to be washed 14 to wash it. After washing, the washing water flows back down into the washing tank 13 for circulation, and any excess washing water is discharged through the overflow pipe 22.

[0030] On the other hand, rinse water, which is stored and heated in a tank (not shown), is supplied to the rinse nozzle 18 under pressure by the rinse pump 23. The rinse water sprayed from the rinse nozzle 18 also flows down into the washing tank 13 and is circulated and reused as washing water 19. In this way, the washing water 19 stored in the washing tank 13 is circulated and the washing is repeated, but since the rinse water newly supplied for rinsing dilutes the washing water 19, it is necessary to supply additional washing solution to the washing tank 13 in order to maintain the detergent concentration of the washing water 19 at a predetermined concentration.

[0031] The detergent supply device according to an example of the present invention can be used for such applications and may be attached to an automatic dishwasher 10, for example, as shown by 30 in Figure 3. In this example, the detergent concentration of the washing water 19 is detected by the concentration sensor 24, and the amount of washing liquid supplied to the washing tank 13 of the automatic dishwasher 10 is controlled based on this detection signal to maintain the detergent concentration of the washing water 19 at an appropriate level.

[0032] As will be explained below with reference to Figure 4 and subsequent figures, in the detergent supply device 30 according to an example of the present invention, dissolved water is directly sprayed from a nozzle onto the bottom of powdered or granular detergent supported by a mesh member having open holes to generate a cleaning solution. In an example where it is attached to an automatic dishwasher 10 as shown in Figure 3, a controller 27 may be provided along with a cleaning solution supply pipe or hose 25 that sends the cleaning solution to the washing tank 13 of the automatic dishwasher 10, and a water supply pipe or hose 26 that supplies dissolved water to the nozzle. In one example, a solenoid valve 28 is interposed in the water supply pipe or hose 26, and a control circuit that controls the opening and closing of this solenoid valve 28 is arranged in the controller 27 and can be connected to receive a signal from a concentration sensor 24 via a cable 29.

[0033] When the detergent supply device 30 is operating as described above, if a decrease in the detergent concentration of the washing water 19 is detected from the signal of the concentration sensor 24, the control circuit in the controller 27 opens the solenoid valve 28 based on this detection signal and the dissolved water is sprayed from the nozzle. As a result, the detergent supply device 30 is supplied with cleaning solution to the washing tank 13. This control may be performed, for example, by supplying the cleaning solution (spraying the dissolved water) for 3 seconds, letting it stand for 7 seconds, then detecting the concentration with the concentration sensor 24, and if the concentration is insufficient, repeating the supply until the detergent concentration of the washing water 19 reaches a predetermined set concentration.

[0034] Figure 4 shows one embodiment of a detergent supply device 30 according to an example of the present invention. Powdered or granular detergent 31 is placed in a wide-mouthed bottle-shaped cartridge container 32, and the cartridge container 32 is loaded into a holder 34 with the opening 33 facing downwards. A mesh cap 35, which is a mesh member, is placed over the opening 33, and dissolved water 37 is sprayed upwards from a nozzle 36 provided at the end of a water supply pipe or hose 26 as shown in Figure 3 to dissolve the detergent. The resulting cleaning solution (detergent solution) 38 is sent from a passage 39 provided at the bottom of the holder 34 to the washing tank 13 of the dishwasher 10 through, for example, the cleaning solution supply pipe or hose 25 shown in Figure 3.

[0035] In the example shown in Figure 4, the opening 33 of the cartridge container 32 is circular in shape, and the mesh cap 35 has a corresponding circular mesh portion 35A and a cylindrical portion 35B that rises from the periphery of the mesh portion 35A, and is attached from the outside to the cylindrical neck portion 32A of the cartridge container 32 that defines the opening 33, for example by screwing it in.

[0036] As shown in the example in Figure 5, an open hole 40 is formed in the center of the mesh portion 35A of the mesh cap 35, and radial slits 35C of varying sizes and positions are arranged radially from the center of the circle outward around it. These slits 35C can substantially prevent the permeation of powdered or granular detergent, while being of a size that does not substantially hinder the permeation of the generated cleaning solution. Furthermore, the mesh portion 35A may have meshes of any shape and size, such as a grid pattern, rather than slits 35C, as long as they perform a similar function.

[0037] The opening 40 may be circular, and its diameter may be, for example, about the same as the diameter of the tip of the nozzle 36. This allows the water sprayed from the center of the nozzle 36 to be directly directed to the powdered / granular detergent in the container without resistance from the mesh portion of the mesh cap. Therefore, even if the water pressure (water volume) is somewhat low, it is possible to supply sufficient dissolving water to the powdered / granular detergent 31.

[0038] The nozzle 36 may be a wide-angle nozzle, for example, with a spray angle of 100°, provided adjacent to the opening 40. Optionally, the nozzle 36 may have a cylindrical covering 42 at its tip, with an annular flange 41 extending radially from one end. The outer diameter of the annular flange 41 may be larger than the diameter of the opening 40, thereby allowing for some radial misalignment between the nozzle 36 and the opening 40.

[0039] The cartridge container 32 is a cylindrical resin bottle that contains a predetermined amount of powdered or granular detergent 31, and the opening 33 may initially have a water-soluble film 43 placed inside the mesh cap 35. The water-soluble film 43 is easily dissolved by the spray of dissolving water or the resulting cleaning solution. The outside of the mesh cap 35 may initially be sealed with a virgin seal 44. Figure 6 shows a cartridge container 32 according to such an example.

[0040] The cleaning solution supply device 30 may include a holder 34 for installing a cartridge container 32, and the nozzle 36 may be located at the end of a water supply pipe 26 extending into the holder 34. In this case, the water supply pipe 26 may be integrally molded with the holder 34. The cleaning solution generated by spraying dissolved water from the nozzle 36 onto powdered or granular detergent 31 is collected in the funnel-shaped lower part of the holder 34 and supplied to the washing tank of the automatic dishwasher via the cleaning solution supply pipe 25 through the passage 39.

[0041] The holder 34 has a stepped cup shape, and the cartridge container 32 is received by the holder 34 at a shoulder portion 32B that protrudes outward from the neck portion 32A, corresponding to this step. When using existing equipment such as that shown in Figure 1, where the nozzle mounting position at the tip of the water supply pipe is located downward, a nozzle extension pipe 45 or the like may be provided at the tip of the water supply pipe 26 to adjust the position so that the nozzle 36 is adjacent to the opening hole 40. Figures 4 and 4A show such an example together with the covering 42, but when creating a new holder 34, the water supply pipe 26 itself may be made to this extended length. The part indicated by 46 is a coarse mesh cover, which serves to prevent foreign matter from entering when the container is not in place.

[0042] Figure 7 shows an example of a container configured as a refillable container 50 for powdered or granular detergent. The refillable container 50 is configured as a cylindrical resin hopper 51, and an openable and closable opening 52 for refilling is provided at the upper end of the hopper 51 opposite the opening 53 located at the bottom, and is openable and closable by a lid 54. Similar to the cartridge container 32 in Figure 4, the refillable container 50 also has a mesh cap 55 fitted to the opening 53. The mesh cap 55 may be the same as the mesh cap 35 described in Figures 4 and 5, and has an opening hole 55A in the center.

[0043] In the cleaning fluid supply device shown in the example of Figure 7, a nozzle 56 and a holder 57 are also provided, and these may be the same as the nozzle 36 and holder 34 in the example of Figure 4. However, in the example shown in Figure 7, an example is shown in which a nozzle extension pipe is not used, and the nozzle 56 is provided at the tip of the water supply pipe 26 and adjacent to the opening hole 55A. When a refill container 50 is used, a powder permeation prevention plate 58 can be provided at the opening 53. Figure 8 shows one example of the positional relationship of the components of the cleaning fluid supply device when a powder permeation prevention plate 58 is provided. The powder permeation prevention plate 58 has the role of preventing a large amount of detergent from permeating through the mesh cap 55 and causing a blockage in the supply path below when replenishment powder or granular detergent is put in from the opening 52 of the hopper 51. For example, it is made of a mesh that is coarser than the mesh of the mesh cap 55, and a hole 59 with a larger diameter than the opening hole 56 is provided in the center so as not to interfere with the spray from the nozzle 56.

[0044] Conventional detergent compositions may be used as powder or granular detergents for use in the cleaning solution supply device of the present invention. Nonionic surfactants, anionic surfactants, cationic surfactants, amphoteric surfactants, etc., can be used as surfactants, but nonionic surfactants are preferred from the viewpoint of cleaning performance. In addition, components such as hydrotropes, dispersants, pH adjusters, thickeners, viscosity modifiers, fragrances, colorants, antioxidants, preservatives, antifoaming agents, bleaching agents, and bleaching activators can be appropriately added. Specific examples include the "Acshal" series and "Clearon" series, which are commercially available from Kao Professional Services Co., Ltd. [Examples]

[0045] Using a detergent supply device as shown in Figure 1, equipped with the mesh cap 5 shown in Figure 2, and a detergent supply device as shown in Figure 4, equipped with the mesh cap 35 shown in Figure 5, we actually ran an automatic dishwasher continuously to supply detergent and compared the dissolution status of powdered and granular detergent throughout the process, the occurrence of through holes due to the spraying of dissolved water into the cartridge container, and the point at which the required detergent could no longer be supplied to the automatic dishwasher. The automatic dishwasher used was a Hoshizaki Electric JWE-680A model.

[0046] A cartridge-type container was used, filled with approximately 3 kg of automatic dishwasher detergent (Kao New Star Premium). The detergent concentration setting on the automatic dishwasher's sensor was set to 0.10% by mass, and tap water was sprayed from a nozzle at a flow rate of 1.5 L / min from below the mesh cap attached to the opening of the cartridge container.

[0047] Figures 9(A) and (B) show images comparing the dissolution status of powdered / granular detergent (gray areas) for both the apparatus in Figure 1 and the apparatus in Figure 4, along with their respective dissolution water spray patterns. The black areas indicate the areas where the powdered / granular detergent is wetted by the sprayed water. Note that the same pattern as in Figure 4 can be obtained with the apparatus in Figure 7.

[0048] In the configuration shown in Figure 1, a nozzle with a spray angle of 50° was used as the nozzle 6 to spray the dissolved water into the container through the mesh cap 5, and it was necessary to spray with force from about 15 mm below the mesh cap 5. As a result, a hole easily formed in the center of the powdered / granular detergent filled in the container, and the entire powdered / granular detergent became wet through this hole, making it prone to solidification or deactivation of its components due to hydration. An example of a spray pattern with this configuration is shown on the far left of Figure 9(A) with no detergent filled in.

[0049] In contrast, in the configuration shown in Figure 4, the nozzle 36 is positioned adjacent to the opening 40 of the mesh cap 35, and since there is no need to consider the resistance of the mesh portion 35A, a nozzle with a spray angle of 100° could be used. An example of a spray pattern with this configuration is shown at the left end of Figure 9(B) with no detergent filling. Calculations show that compared to a nozzle with a spray angle of 50°, the amount of water per unit area is approximately 1 / 7, and the spray area is approximately 7 times larger. Consequently, the time until a hole opens in the center is also longer (more powder / granular detergent remains when the hole is penetrated), and even if a hole opens, the amount of water that permeates through the hole is relatively small, thus suppressing problems caused by hydration. Furthermore, because dissolved water can be sprayed and atomized over a wide area uniformly, it is possible to improve the solubility of powder / granular detergent and reduce the amount of undissolved residue. [Industrial applicability]

[0050] The cleaning solution supply device and method of the present invention can be suitably used in connection with commercial automatic dishwashers. [Explanation of symbols]

[0051] 30: Cleaning fluid supply device 31: Powdered / granular detergent 32,50: Container 33,53:Aperture 35,55: Mesh member 36,56: Nozzle 40,55A: Open hole

Claims

1. A container for storing powdered or granular detergent; an opening at one end of the container; A mesh member disposed to cover the opening; An open hole provided in the mesh member; a nozzle for spraying water through the open hole into the container placed with the opening facing down, Cleaning fluid supply device.

2. 2. The cleaning liquid supplying device according to claim 1, wherein said mesh member has a circular shape, and said open hole is formed in the center of said mesh member.

3. 2. The cleaning liquid supplying device according to claim 1, wherein said nozzle is a wide-angle nozzle provided adjacent to said open hole.

4. The cleaning liquid supplying device according to claim 1 , further comprising a cover ring provided on a tip of the nozzle.

5. 2. The cleaning liquid supplying device according to claim 1, wherein said container is a cartridge container filled with said powdered or granular detergent, and said opening is provided with a water-soluble film.

6. 6. The cleaning liquid supplying device according to claim 5, wherein said mesh member is a mesh cap attached to said container so as to cover said water-soluble film, and is sealable by a virgin seal.

7. 2. The cleaning liquid supplying device according to claim 1, wherein said container is a refill container capable of being refilled with said powder or granular detergent, and said opening is provided with a powder permeation prevention plate.

8. 2. The cleaning liquid supply device of claim 1, further comprising a holder for mounting the container, the nozzle being disposed in the holder, and the cleaning liquid produced by spraying water onto the powdered or granular detergent being supplied through the holder.

9. 9. An automatic dishwasher comprising the washing liquid supply device according to claim 1, wherein the washing liquid supply device supplies washing liquid in response to measurement of the concentration of washing liquid in a washing tank.

10. A powder or granular detergent is placed in a container having an opening at one end, placing the container above a nozzle with the opening facing down; placing a mesh member having open holes over the opening; Water is uniformly sprayed from the nozzle into the container through the open hole onto the surface of the powder / granular detergent in the container to dissolve it and generate a cleaning liquid; A method of delivering cleaning fluid to an automatic dishwashing machine.

Images