Container cleaning device

Abstract

To perform cleaning of a container and cleaning of a container placing part appropriately.SOLUTION: A container cleaning device (1) includes, as operation modes, a first cleaning mode for discharging liquid from a container inside cleaning nozzle (10) for discharging liquid to the inside of a container (100) and a container outside cleaning nozzle (11) for discharging liquid to an outside surface of an opening end (102) of the container in the state that the container is placed on a container placing part (3), and a second cleaning mode for not discharging liquid from a first discharge part and discharging liquid from a second discharge part in a state that the container is not placed on the container placing part.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a container cleaning device. [Background technology]

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a container cleaning device that includes a suction mechanism that suctions the bottom surface of a container so that the opening of the container faces downward, and a gripping mechanism that grips the bottom.

[0003] Patent Document 2 discloses a cleaning device that includes a nozzle for cleaning a placement section on which a container is placed. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] JP 2017-051904 A [Patent Document 2] Patent Publication No. 2022-032177 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] However, Patent Document 1 does not disclose a configuration for cleaning the gripping mechanism. The technology of Patent Document 2 requires an additional nozzle to be provided just for cleaning the placement part. The technology of Patent Document 2 cannot adequately clean the outer surface of the open end of the container that serves as the spout or drinking spout.

[0006] An object of one aspect of the present invention is to provide a container washing device capable of appropriately washing containers and container mounting portions. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] The container cleaning device of aspect 1 of the present invention comprises a container mounting section on which a container is placed with its opening facing downward, a first discharge section which discharges liquid into the inside of the container placed on the container mounting section, and a second discharge section which discharges liquid onto the outer surface of the opening end of the container that contacts the container mounting section, and is configured to have operating modes of a first cleaning mode in which the container is cleaned by discharging liquid from the first and second discharge sections when the container is placed on the container mounting section, and a second cleaning mode in which, when the container is not placed on the container mounting section, liquid is not discharged from the first discharge section and the container mounting section is cleaned by discharging liquid from the second discharge section.

[0008] The container cleaning device of aspect 2 of the present invention may be configured in the above-mentioned aspect 1 so as to have a third cleaning mode as an operating mode in which, in the first cleaning mode, a liquid containing a cleaning component is discharged from the first discharge portion and the second discharge portion, and, while the container is placed on the container mounting portion, a liquid not containing the cleaning component is discharged from the first discharge portion and the second discharge portion to rinse the container.

[0009] The container cleaning device of aspect 3 of the present invention, in accordance with aspect 1 or 2 above, may include a lid mounting portion on which the lid of the container is placed, and a third discharge portion that, in the first cleaning mode, discharges liquid onto the lid placed on the lid mounting portion, and may be configured to discharge liquid from the third discharge portion when the lid is not placed on the lid mounting portion in the second cleaning mode.

[0010] The container cleaning device of aspect 4 of the present invention, in aspect 2 above, may be configured to include an operation input unit that receives instructions from a user regarding the operation period of the first cleaning mode, and to automatically operate in the third cleaning mode after operation in the first cleaning mode.

[0011] A container cleaning device according to aspect 5 of the present invention may be configured in such a way that, in aspect 2 or 4 above, the specified condition includes the container being removed from the container mounting portion, and after operating in the third cleaning mode, when the specified condition is satisfied, the device automatically operates in the second cleaning mode.

[0012] A container cleaning apparatus according to aspect 6 of the present invention, in accordance with aspect 5 above, may comprise a lid mounting section on which the lid of the container is placed, and a third discharge section which, in the first cleaning mode, discharges liquid onto the lid placed on the lid mounting section, and in the second cleaning mode, liquid is discharged from the third discharge section when the lid is not placed on the lid mounting section, and the specified condition may include the container being removed from the container mounting section and the lid being removed from the lid mounting section.

[0013] A control method for a container cleaning device according to aspect 7 of the present invention is a method in which the container cleaning device comprises a container mounting section on which a container is placed with the opening of the container facing downward, a first discharge section which discharges liquid into the inside of the container placed on the container mounting section, and a second discharge section which discharges liquid onto the outer surface of the opening end of the container that contacts the container mounting section, and in a first cleaning mode, when the container is placed on the container mounting section, the container is cleaned by discharging liquid from the first discharge section and the second discharge section, and in a second cleaning mode, when the container is not placed on the container mounting section, the container mounting section is cleaned without discharging liquid from the first discharge section and by discharging liquid from the second discharge section. Effect of the Invention

[0014] According to one aspect of the present invention, cleaning of the container and the container mounting portion can be appropriately performed. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0015] [Figure 1] 1 is a perspective view showing a configuration of a container cleaning device according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 2]1 is a plan view showing a configuration of a container cleaning device according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 3] 3 is a cross-sectional view taken along line AA in FIG. 2. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view showing a state in which the container and the lid are placed in place in FIG. [Diagram 5] 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a container cleaning device according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 6] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing piping paths of a container cleaning apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 7] 1 is a diagram showing the corresponding relationship between the operation modes of the container cleaning device and the operations of the cleaning liquid generating device, the first valve, the second valve, the third valve, the container inside cleaning nozzle, the container outside cleaning nozzle, and the lid cleaning nozzle. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0016] (Configuration of container cleaning device) Fig. 1 is a perspective view showing the configuration of a container cleaning apparatus 1 of the present embodiment. Fig. 2 is a plan view showing the configuration of a container cleaning apparatus 1 of the present embodiment. Fig. 3 is a cross-sectional view taken along line AA shown in Fig. 2. Fig. 4 is a cross-sectional view showing a state in which a container 100 and a lid 101 are placed in Fig. 3.

[0017] The container cleaning device 1 includes a housing 2, a container mounting portion 3, a lid mounting portion 4, a lid cover 5, a sink cover 6, a cover sensor 7, a liquid level sensor 8, a container sensor 93, a sink 9, a container interior cleaning nozzle 10, a plurality of container exterior cleaning nozzles 11, and a lid cleaning nozzle 12. The container cleaning device 1 is a device that cleans containers 100 such as bottles and lids 101 of the containers 100. The housing 2 serves as the main body of the container cleaning device 1 and houses the internal mechanisms.

[0018] The container mounting portion 3 has a first bottom portion 31, a plurality of first protrusions 32, a first side portion 33, and a first reinforcing portion 34. The container mounting portion 3 is a portion on which the container 100 to be cleaned is mounted. The container mounting portion 3 is open at the top so that the container 100 can be inserted. Here, the container mounting portion 3 forms a cylindrical basket.

[0019] The first bottom portion 31 forms a mounting surface on which the container 100 is placed and abuts. Here, the first bottom portion 31 includes a plurality of first wires extending radially in the horizontal direction (lateral direction). The center of the first bottom portion 31 is open.

[0020] The first protrusion 32 is arranged in a circle on the upper side of the first bottom 31 and protrudes upward from the first bottom 31. The first protrusions 32 have different diameters and are arranged in a concentric circle. Here, the first protrusion 32 includes a second wire that extends in the circumferential direction to form a circular shape. Note that the first protrusions 32 arranged in a circle may not be a complete circle, but may be a partial circle. For example, the first protrusion 32 may be a plurality of arc-shaped protrusions arranged in a circle. For example, the first protrusion 32 may be a plurality of point-like protrusions arranged in a circle.

[0021] The first side portion 33 forms a side wall surrounding the first bottom portion 31 and the first protrusion portion 32. Here, the first side portion 33 includes a plurality of third wires that are connected to the plurality of first wires and extend in the vertical direction (longitudinal direction). The third wires and the first wires are formed by bending one wire into an L shape.

[0022] The first reinforcing portion 34 reinforces the first side portion 33. Here, the first reinforcing portion 34 includes a plurality of annular fourth wires. The plurality of fourth wires are connected to the outside of the first side portion 33 so as to surround the periphery of the first side portion 33.

[0023] The lid placing portion 4 has a second bottom portion 41, a plurality of second protrusions 42, a second side portion 43, and a second reinforcing portion 44. The lid placing portion 4 is a portion on which the lid 101 of the container 100 to be cleaned is placed. The lid placing portion 4 is open at the top so that the lid 101 can be inserted. Here, the lid placing portion 4 forms a cylindrical basket.

[0024] The second bottom portion 41 forms a mounting surface on which the lid 101 is placed and abuts. Here, the second bottom portion 41 includes a plurality of fifth wires extending radially in the horizontal direction (lateral direction). The center of the second bottom portion 41 is open.

[0025] The second protrusion 42 is arranged in a circular shape below the second bottom 41. The second protrusions 42 have different diameters from one another and are arranged in a concentric shape. Here, the second protrusion 42 includes a sixth wire that extends in the circumferential direction to form a circular shape. However, similar to the first protrusion 32, the second protrusion 42 may be arranged in a circular shape above the second bottom 41 and protrude upward from the second bottom 41. The shape of the second protrusion 42 may also be similar to that of the first protrusion 32.

[0026] The second side portion 43 forms a side wall surrounding the second bottom portion 41 and the second protrusion portion 42. Here, the second side portion 43 includes a plurality of seventh wires that are connected to the plurality of fifth wires and extend in the vertical direction (longitudinal direction). The seventh wires and the fifth wires are formed by bending one wire into an L shape.

[0027] The second reinforcing portion 44 reinforces the second side portion 43. Here, the second reinforcing portion 44 includes a circular eighth wire. The eighth wire is connected to the outside of the second side portion 43 so as to surround the periphery of the second side portion 43.

[0028] The lid cover 5 covers the lid placement portion 4 and the lid 101 placed on the lid placement portion 4. The lid cover 5 prevents liquid from splashing from the lid placement portion 4. The lid cover 5 has a hollow cylindrical shape that is open on the bottom. The lid cover 5 has a lid rotation shaft 51 and a magnet 52. A user can rotate the lid cover 5 around the lid rotation shaft 51 to open and close the lid cover 5. When the lid cover 5 is closed, the magnet 52 is disposed in a position facing the cover sensor 7.

[0029] The cover sensor 7 detects whether the lid cover 5 is open or closed. Here, the cover sensor 7 is a magnetic sensor, and detects whether the magnet 52 provided on the lid cover 5 is in a predetermined position. If the magnet 52 is in the predetermined position, it can be determined that the lid cover 5 is closed. Here, the cover sensor 7 is fixed to the housing 2.

[0030] The container sensor 93 is a sensor that detects the container 100 placed on the container mounting unit 3. Here, the container sensor 93 is a photoelectric sensor. Note that the sensor that detects the container 100 placed on the container mounting unit 3 is not limited to a photoelectric sensor, and for example, an ultrasonic sensor, a high-frequency sensor, a laser sensor, an image sensor, a pressure sensor, a weight sensor, a microswitch, or the like can be used.

[0031] The sink 9 is disposed below the container mounting portion 3 and the lid mounting portion 4, and receives liquid such as a cleaning liquid. The sink 9 has a drain port 91 for discharging the received liquid.

[0032] The liquid level sensor 8 detects the level of the liquid in the sink 9. Here, the liquid level sensor 8 is a float sensor.

[0033] The sink cover 6 covers the upper side of the sink 9 and the area where the container placement part 3 and the lid placement part 4 are not located. The sink cover 6 has an opening at a position corresponding to the container placement part 3, through which the container 100 can be inserted from above. The sink cover 6 prevents liquid from splashing and hides the inside of the sink 9 from the user. The container placement part 3, the lid placement part 4, and the lid cover 5 are fixed to the sink cover 6. The sink cover 6 is attached to the upper part of the sink 9 so as to be detachable from the sink 9. For example, the sink cover 6 is attached by being placed on the upper end of the wall of the sink 9 without using a fastening member (screw, etc.), or by clamping the upper end of the wall of the sink 9. An operator can easily attach and detach the sink cover 6 to and from the sink 9 without using tools. An operator can remove the sink cover 6 from the sink 9 together with the container placement part 3, the lid placement part 4, and the lid cover 5 fixed to the sink cover 6. Therefore, an operator can easily perform maintenance such as cleaning of the sink 9. The container mounting portion 3 and the lid mounting portion 4 may be fixed to the housing 2, and the lid cover 5 may be fixed to the sink cover 6.

[0034] The container interior cleaning nozzle 10 is an ejection unit that ejects a liquid such as a cleaning liquid into the container 100 placed on the container mounting unit 3. The container interior cleaning nozzle 10 is disposed in the center of the container mounting unit 3. The container 100 is placed on the container mounting unit 3 so that the opening of the container 100 faces downward. The ejection port of the container interior cleaning nozzle 10 is disposed within the opening of the container 100 placed on the container mounting unit 3. The container interior cleaning nozzle 10 ejects a liquid such as a cleaning liquid in an upward direction into the inside of the container 100.

[0035] The multiple container external cleaning nozzles 11 are discharge units that discharge liquid such as cleaning liquid onto the outer surface of the container 100. For example, the multiple container external cleaning nozzles 11 discharge liquid onto the outer surface of the open end 102 of the container 100. The open end 102 of the container 100 is, for example, a drinking spout or a pouring spout. The outer surface of the open end 102 of the container 100 is, for example, a portion that is joined to the lid 101. The multiple container external cleaning nozzles 11 are arranged, for example, isotropically around the container mounting portion 3 so as to surround the placed container 100. The multiple container external cleaning nozzles 11 are arranged above the first bottom 31 that forms the mounting surface and below the sink cover 6. The multiple container external cleaning nozzles 11 discharge liquid such as cleaning liquid obliquely downward toward the outer surface of the open end 102 of the container 100 that contacts the container mounting portion 3.

[0036] The lid cleaning nozzle 12 is a discharge part that discharges a liquid such as a cleaning liquid onto the lid 101 placed on the lid placing part 4. The lid cleaning nozzle 12 is disposed in the center of the lid placing part 4 and below the lid placing part 4. The lid 101 is placed on the lid placing part 4 so that the opening of the lid 101 faces downward. The lid cleaning nozzle 12 discharges a liquid such as a cleaning liquid upward toward the opening of the lid 101 so that the liquid spreads in a cone shape.

[0037] (Control of container cleaning device) 5 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the container cleaning device 1. The container cleaning device 1 includes a control unit 20, an operation unit 24, a cleaning liquid generating device 17, a first valve 13, a second valve 14, a third valve 15, a container sensor 93, a cover sensor 7, and a liquid level sensor 8. The control unit 20 includes an operation input unit 21, an operation control unit 22, and a sensor input unit 23.

[0038] The operation unit 24 receives instructions from the user regarding the cleaning operation. For example, the operation unit 24 receives instructions from the user to operate in a container cleaning mode, a rinse mode, and an apparatus cleaning mode. The operation unit 24 may have an input device such as a plurality of operation buttons corresponding to the input instructions. The operation unit 24 outputs the input instructions to the control unit 20.

[0039] The cleaning liquid generating device 17 generates a liquid (cleaning liquid) containing a cleaning component. For example, the cleaning liquid generating device 17 may be an ozone generator that generates ozone as a cleaning component and adds it to water, or a device that adds a cleaning component such as a surfactant to water. Alternatively, the cleaning liquid generating device 17 may be a device that generates warm water that makes it easier to remove dirt.

[0040] The first valve 13, the second valve 14, and the third valve 15 are valves provided in the piping path of the liquid.

[0041] The container sensor 93 is a sensor that detects the container 100 placed on the container placement section 3. The container sensor 93 outputs the detection result of the container 100 to the control section 20. The cover sensor 7 detects the open / close state of the lid cover 5. The cover sensor 7 outputs the detection result to the control section 20. The liquid level sensor 8 detects the liquid level in the sink 9. The liquid level sensor 8 outputs the detection result to the control section 20.

[0042] The operation input unit 21 accepts input of instructions related to the cleaning operation from the user via the operation unit 24. For example, the operation input unit 21 accepts input of an instruction as to which operation mode to operate in and an instruction of an operation period during which the operation mode will be operated. The operation input unit 21 accepts the period during which the operation unit 24 corresponding to each operation mode is operated (the period during which the operation button is continuously pressed) as an instruction of the operation period of each operation mode. Note that the operation input unit 21 may determine the operation period according to the length of the period or the number of times the operation unit 24 is operated. The operation input unit 21 outputs the accepted instruction of the operation mode and instruction of the operation period to the operation control unit 22.

[0043] The sensor input unit 23 receives sensor detection results from the container sensor 93, the cover sensor 7, and the liquid level sensor 8. The sensor input unit 23 determines whether the container 100 is placed on the container placement unit 3 based on the detection result of the container 100, and outputs the determination result to the operation control unit 22. The sensor input unit 23 determines whether the lid cover 5 is open or closed based on the detection result of the cover sensor 7, and outputs the determination result to the operation control unit 22. The sensor input unit 23 determines whether the liquid level in the sink 9 exceeds a predetermined level based on the detection result of the liquid level, and outputs the determination result to the operation control unit 22.

[0044] The operation control unit 22 operates the cleaning liquid generating device 17, the first valve 13, the second valve 14, and the third valve 15 in response to an instruction received from a user and a result of determination by the sensor input unit .

[0045] FIG. 6 is a diagram showing the piping path of the container cleaning device 1. The container cleaning device 1 includes a liquid source 16 that shares a liquid (e.g., water). The liquid source 16 is, for example, a water inlet. The piping branches into two from the liquid source 16, one of which is connected to a first valve 13 and the other of which is connected to a second valve 14. The downstream side of the first valve 13 is connected to a cleaning liquid generating device 17. The downstream side of the cleaning liquid generating device 17 and the downstream side of the second valve 14 merge and then branch again, one of which is connected to a third valve 15. The other piping branches and is connected to a plurality of container exterior cleaning nozzles 11 and lid cleaning nozzles 12. The downstream side of the third valve 15 is connected to a container interior cleaning nozzle 10.

[0046] (Operation mode) 7 is a diagram showing the correspondence between the operation modes and the operations of the cleaning liquid generating device 17, the first valve 13, the second valve 14, the third valve 15, the container inside cleaning nozzle 10, the container outside cleaning nozzle 11, and the lid cleaning nozzle 12. The container cleaning device 1 has, as its operation modes, a container cleaning mode, a rinsing mode, and an apparatus cleaning mode.

[0047] In the container cleaning mode, the container cleaning device 1 cleans the container 100 and the lid 101 by discharging liquid from the container inside cleaning nozzle 10, the container outside cleaning nozzle 11, and the lid cleaning nozzle 12 while the container 100 is placed on the container placement unit 3. At this time, the lid 101 is placed on the lid placement unit 4. When an operation instruction for the container cleaning mode is input, the container 100 is placed on the container placement unit 3, and the lid cover 5 is closed, the operation control unit 22 operates the cleaning liquid generating device 17 to open the first valve 13, close the second valve 14, and open the third valve 15. As a result, the cleaning liquid generating device 17 adds a cleaning component to the liquid, and the liquid containing the cleaning component is discharged from the container inside cleaning nozzle 10, the container outside cleaning nozzle 11, and the lid cleaning nozzle 12. As a result, the container 100 and the lid 101 are cleaned. Since a container 100 is placed on the container placement unit 3, liquid discharged from the container interior cleaning nozzle 10 does not splash above the sink cover 6. Since the lid placement unit 4 is covered by the lid cover 5, liquid discharged from the lid cleaning nozzle 12 does not splash outside the lid cover 5. The operation control unit 22 operates in the container cleaning mode for a period according to the instruction for the operation period. Specifically, the operation control unit 22 operates in the container cleaning mode while the operation unit 24 is being operated, and stops operation in the container cleaning mode when the operation unit 24 is no longer operated.

[0048] In the rinsing mode, the container cleaning device 1 rinses the container 100 and the lid 101 by discharging a liquid that does not contain a cleaning component from the container inside cleaning nozzle 10, the container outside cleaning nozzle 11, and the lid cleaning nozzle 12 while the container 100 is placed on the container placement unit 3. When an operation instruction for the rinsing mode is input, the container 100 is placed on the container placement unit 3, and the lid cover 5 is closed, the operation control unit 22 stops the cleaning liquid generating device 17, closes the first valve 13, opens the second valve 14, and opens the third valve 15. As a result, a liquid that does not contain a cleaning component is discharged from the container inside cleaning nozzle 10, the container outside cleaning nozzle 11, and the lid cleaning nozzle 12. As a result, the container 100 and the lid 101 are rinsed. The operation control unit 22 operates in the rinsing mode for a period according to the instruction for the operation period.

[0049] In the device cleaning mode, the container cleaning device 1 cleans the container mounting part 3 and the lid mounting part 4 by not discharging liquid from the container inside cleaning nozzle 10 and discharging liquid from the container outside cleaning nozzle 11 and the lid cleaning nozzle 12 when the container 100 is not placed on the container mounting part 3. At this time, the lid 101 is not placed on the lid mounting part 4. When an operation instruction for the device cleaning mode is input, the container 100 is not placed on the container mounting part 3, and the lid cover 5 is closed, the operation control unit 22 operates the cleaning liquid generating device 17 to open the first valve 13, close the second valve 14, and close the third valve 15. As a result, a liquid containing a cleaning component is discharged from the container outside cleaning nozzle 11 and the lid cleaning nozzle 12. Since the container 100 is not placed on the container mounting part 3, in order to prevent the liquid from scattering, the operation control unit 22 does not discharge liquid from the container inside cleaning nozzle 10 that discharges liquid upward. The multiple container exterior cleaning nozzles 11 eject liquid onto the container mounting portion 3, particularly onto the first bottom 31. The lid cleaning nozzle 12 ejects liquid onto the lid mounting portion 4, particularly onto the second bottom 41. Therefore, the container cleaning device 1 can properly clean the portions of the container mounting portion 3 or the lid mounting portion 4 that come into contact with the container 100 or the lid 101. This allows cleaning of the container mounting portion 3 and the lid mounting portion 4. The operation control portion 22 operates in the device cleaning mode for a period according to the instruction for the operation period.

[0050] In particular, the container exterior cleaning nozzle 11 ejects liquid obliquely downward toward the outer surface of the opening end 102 of the container 100. In the container cleaning mode, this container exterior cleaning nozzle 11 can properly clean the outer surface of the opening end 102 of the container 100, which serves as the spout or drinking spout, and in the device cleaning mode, can properly clean the container mounting part 3 with which the opening end 102 contacts. The container cleaning device 1 can properly clean both the container 100 and the lid 101, and the container mounting part 3 and the lid mounting part 4, by using the container exterior cleaning nozzle 11 and the lid cleaning nozzle 12. Therefore, there is no need to provide an additional dedicated nozzle for cleaning the container mounting part 3 and the lid mounting part 4.

[0051] It should be noted that the container cleaning device 1 does not operate in any operation mode if the level of the liquid in the sink 9 exceeds a predetermined level. If the level of the liquid in the sink 9 exceeds a predetermined level, the operation control unit 22 may notify the user that the level of the liquid exceeds the predetermined level by optical or audio output. The container cleaning device 1 may include a display device or a speaker for notifying the user. There is a possibility that the contents of the container 100 may clog the outlet 91 of the sink 9, causing liquid to accumulate in the sink 9. In such a case, the container cleaning device 1 can stop operation in each operation mode in which liquid is discharged.

[0052] The container cleaning device 1 does not operate in any operation mode when the lid cover 5 is open. The container cleaning device 1 does not operate in the container cleaning mode or the rinsing mode when the container 100 is not placed on the container placement unit 3. This is to prevent liquid from leaking outside the container cleaning device 1.

[0053] When the lid cover 5 is removed from the sink 9 together with the sink cover 6, the lid cover 5 is not present at a position corresponding to the cover sensor 7. Therefore, the cover sensor 7 detects the state in which the lid cover 5 is removed from the sink 9 as the state in which the lid cover 5 is open. In other words, when the lid cover 5 is removed from the sink 9 together with the sink cover 6, the container cleaning device 1 does not discharge liquid from the container inside cleaning nozzle 10, the container outside cleaning nozzle 11, and the lid cleaning nozzle 12. As a result, even if a user mistakenly operates the operation unit 24 while the sink cover 6 is removed, the container cleaning device 1 can prevent the liquid from accidentally leaking outside the sink 9.

[0054] (How to use) The user places his / her container 100 face down on the container placement section 3. The user places the lid 101 on the lid placement section 4. The user closes the lid cover 5. After that, the user continues to press the operation button corresponding to the container cleaning mode on the operation section 24. While the operation button corresponding to the container cleaning mode is pressed, the container cleaning device 1 operates in the container cleaning mode. Next, the user continues to press the operation button corresponding to the rinsing mode on the operation section 24. While the operation button corresponding to the rinsing mode is pressed, the container cleaning device 1 operates in the rinsing mode. This allows the cleaning components attached to the container 100 and the lid 101 to be washed away with liquid. After that, the user removes the container 100 and the lid 101 from the container cleaning device 1.

[0055] A user may press an operation button corresponding to the device cleaning mode before placing the container 100 and lid 101 on the container cleaning device 1. The user can clean the container placement part 3 and lid placement part 4, which the user's container 100 and lid 101 will come into contact with, in advance. Therefore, even if an unspecified number of users use the container cleaning device 1, the users can use the container cleaning device 1 without any resistance. Furthermore, the container cleaning device 1 can specify the operation period for operating in each operation mode. Therefore, users with various preferences can make the container cleaning device 1 perform operations such as cleaning until they are satisfied.

[0056] A user can place the container 100 on the container placement section 3 by inserting the container 100 into the opening of the sink cover 6. The container placement section 3 has a first convex portion 32 arranged in a circular shape. When the circular opening end 102 of the container 100 is placed on the first convex portion 32, the container 100 becomes inclined, so the user naturally places the container 100 so that the circular opening end 102 of the container 100 does not place on the first convex portion 32. That is, the first convex portion 32 functions to center the position of the container 100 to be placed at the center of the container placement section 3. Since the container 100 is placed at a predetermined position on the container placement section 3, the container exterior cleaning nozzle 11 arranged around the container 100 can discharge liquid to an appropriate position of the container 100. Also, the container interior cleaning nozzle 10 arranged inside the container 100 can discharge liquid to an appropriate position of the container 100. Therefore, the container inside cleaning nozzle 10 and the container outside cleaning nozzle 11 can properly clean the placed container 100. Furthermore, since the container 100 is placed at a predetermined position on the container placement unit 3, it is possible to prevent the liquid discharged from the container outside cleaning nozzle 11 from hitting the container 100 at an unintended angle. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the liquid hitting the container 100 from scattering in an unintended direction.

[0057] The container placement unit 3 has a plurality of first protrusions 32 having different diameters. The containers 100 owned by an unspecified number of users may be of a plurality of different sizes (diameters). The container placement unit 3 has a plurality of first protrusions 32, so that a plurality of users can appropriately align the containers 100 of a plurality of sizes in a predetermined position. In order to enable the use of a plurality of containers 100, the openings of the container placement unit 3 and the sink cover 6 are sized to accommodate larger containers 100. By centering the position of the container 100 to be placed at the center of the container placement unit 3, the gap between the container 100 and the opening of the sink cover 6 can be made uniform. Therefore, it is possible to suppress the liquid from splashing from the inside to the outside of the container cleaning device 1.

[0058] The outer surface of the open end 102 of the container 100 placed on the container placement unit 3 is located below the sink cover 6, and a part (bottom) of the container 100 is located above the sink cover 6. Since a part of the container 100 protrudes above the sink cover 6, the user can easily and conveniently install and remove the container 100. In addition, the container washing device 1 can wash the part that the beverage or the user's mouth touches without storing the entire container 100. Therefore, the container washing device 1 can properly wash containers 100 of various lengths. The user can properly place the containers 100 of various lengths and diameters in the container washing device 1 without paying special attention.

[0059] The multiple container external cleaning nozzles 11 eject liquid such as cleaning liquid obliquely downward toward the outer surface of the opening end 102 of the container 100. Therefore, the liquid is less likely to splash upward. The sink cover 6 is located above the multiple container external cleaning nozzles 11. Furthermore, by inserting the container 100 into the opening of the sink cover 6, the gap of the opening is narrowed. This further prevents the liquid from splashing above the sink cover 6. Therefore, the portion of the container 100 protruding above the sink cover 6 is less likely to get wet with the liquid. The user can remove the container 100 from the container cleaning device 1 without getting his hands wet.

[0060] The first reinforcing portion 34 (annular fourth wire) is welded to the outside of the first side portion 33 (third wire) constituting the cylindrical basket. Therefore, the user can place the container 100 on the container placement portion 3 without the container 100 getting caught on the first reinforcing portion 34. From the viewpoint of manufacturing, it is easier to manufacture by welding the first convex portion 32 (second wire) to the outside (lower side) of the first bottom portion 31 (first wire) constituting the cylindrical basket. In addition, if the first convex portion 32 is located on the lower side of the first bottom portion 31, the container 100 can be placed at any position on the first bottom portion 31. However, in the container cleaning device 1 that can be used by various users, the first convex portion 32 is intentionally provided on the upper side of the first bottom portion 31 forming the placement surface in order to place the container 100 in an appropriate position.

[0061] In this way, the container washing apparatus 1 can properly wash the container 100 without the user having to pay special attention when positioning the container 100 for washing. Therefore, the container washing apparatus 1 is easy to use for an unspecified number of users.

[0062] (Modification) After operating in the container cleaning mode, the container cleaning device 1 may automatically operate in the rinsing mode for a predetermined period of time without a user's instruction. For example, the user may not be able to determine whether the liquid in the container cleaning mode contains a cleaning component such as ozone. If the container cleaning device 1 automatically operates in the rinsing mode after operating in the container cleaning mode, it is possible to prevent a situation in which the cleaning component attached to the container 100 is not washed away.

[0063] Similarly, the container cleaning device 1 may automatically operate in the rinsing mode for a predetermined period of time without a user's instruction after operating in the device cleaning mode. In this case, since the container 100 is not placed, no liquid is discharged from the container interior cleaning nozzle 10. By washing away the cleaning components adhering to the container placement part 3, etc., it is possible to prevent the container placement part 3, etc. from being corroded by ozone, for example.

[0064] In addition, if a predetermined condition is satisfied after the operation in the rinsing mode, the container washing device 1 may automatically operate in the device washing mode for a predetermined period of time without a user's instruction. The predetermined condition may include that the container 100 is removed from the container placement unit 3 and the lid 101 is removed from the lid placement unit 4. For example, if the cover sensor 7 detects that the lid cover 5 is open after the operation in the rinsing mode and then detects that the lid cover 5 is closed, the operation control unit 22 may determine that the lid 101 is removed from the lid placement unit 4. If the container sensor 93 no longer detects the container 100 on the container placement unit 3 after the operation in the rinsing mode, the operation control unit 22 may determine that the container 100 is removed from the container placement unit 3. This allows the container washing device 1 to be automatically washed after a user has used the container washing device 1. Therefore, the next user does not need to worry about whether the container washing device 1 is clean. The container washing apparatus 1 may include a sensor for detecting the lid 101 placed on the lid placing part 4, instead of the cover sensor 7. The container washing apparatus 1 does not need to include the lid placing part 4, in which case the predetermined condition includes that the container 100 is removed from the container placing part 3.

[0065] It is to be noted that the container washing device 1 does not necessarily have to include the lid placing unit 4 and the lid washing nozzle 12. The container washing device 1 may be configured to wash only the containers 100.

[0066] The container cleaning device 1 may not add a cleaning component to the liquid in the container cleaning mode. In this case, the container cleaning device 1 may not have a rinsing mode. Also, the container cleaning device 1 may not add a cleaning component to the liquid in the device cleaning mode.

[0067] The container cleaning device 1 may control the opening and closing of the third valve 15 depending on whether the container 100 is placed on the container placement section 3. In each operation mode, the container cleaning device 1 may open the third valve 15 when the container 100 is placed on the container placement section 3, and close the third valve 15 when the container 100 is not placed on the container placement section 3. In each operation mode, if the container 100 is placed on the container placement section 3, liquid is discharged from the container interior cleaning nozzle 10, and if the container 100 is not placed on the container placement section 3, liquid is not discharged from the container interior cleaning nozzle 10. In this case, the user does not need to distinguish between the container cleaning mode and the device cleaning mode and operate accordingly.

[0068] It should be noted that the container cleaning device 1 does not necessarily have to include the cleaning liquid generating device 17. In this case, there is no distinction between the container cleaning mode and the rinsing mode, and the container cleaning device 1 cleans the container 100 and the lid 101 with a liquid that does not contain a cleaning component.

[0069] The container cleaning device 1 can promote the use of reusable containers (such as water bottles) owned by users and reduce the use of disposable containers. This effect also contributes to the achievement of Goal 12 of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) advocated by the United Nations, "Ensure sustainable consumption and production patterns."

[0070] [Software implementation example] The functions of the container cleaning apparatus 1 (hereinafter referred to as the "apparatus") can be realized by a program for causing a computer to function as the apparatus, and by a program for causing a computer to function as each control block of the apparatus (particularly each part included in the control unit 20).

[0071] In this case, the device includes a computer having at least one control device (e.g., a processor) and at least one storage device (e.g., a memory) as hardware for executing the program. The control device and storage device execute the program to realize each function described in each of the above embodiments.

[0072] The program may be non-transitory and may be recorded in one or more computer-readable recording media. The recording media may or may not be included in the device. In the latter case, the program may be provided to the device via any wired or wireless transmission medium.

[0073] In addition, some or all of the functions of each of the control blocks can be realized by a logic circuit. For example, an integrated circuit in which a logic circuit that functions as each of the control blocks is formed is also included in the scope of the present invention. In addition, the functions of each of the control blocks can be realized by, for example, a quantum computer.

[0074] The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications are possible within the scope of the claims. Embodiments obtained by appropriately combining the technical means disclosed in different embodiments are also included in the technical scope of the present invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0075] 1 Container cleaning equipment 3 Container placement section 4 Lid placement part 5 Lid cover 6 Sink Cover 7 Cover Sensor 8 Liquid Level Sensor 9. Sink 10 Container interior cleaning nozzle (first discharge part) 11 Container exterior cleaning nozzle (first discharge part) 12 Lid cleaning nozzle (second discharge part) 13 First valve 14 Second valve 15 3rd valve 17 Cleaning fluid generator 20 Control section 21 Operation input section 22 Motion control section 23 Sensor input section 24 Control section 31 1st bottom (1st wire) 32 First convex part (second wire) 33 1st side (3rd wire) 34 First reinforcing part (fourth wire) 41 2nd bottom (5th wire) 42 Second convex part (sixth wire) 43 2nd side (7th wire) 44 Second reinforcing part (8th wire) 100 containers 101 Lid 102 Open end

Claims

1. a container placement section on which the container is placed so that the opening of the container faces downward; A first discharge unit that discharges liquid into the container placed on the container placement unit; a second discharge portion that discharges liquid onto an outer surface of an open end of the container that contacts the container mounting portion, a first cleaning mode in which the container is cleaned by discharging liquid from the first discharge unit and the second discharge unit while the container is placed on the container placement unit; a second cleaning mode in which, when the container is not placed on the container mounting portion, no liquid is ejected from the first ejection portion and the container mounting portion is cleaned by ejecting liquid from the second ejection portion.

2. In the first cleaning mode, a liquid containing a cleaning component is discharged from the first discharge part and the second discharge part, The container cleaning device according to claim 1, further comprising a third cleaning mode as an operating mode in which the container is rinsed by ejecting a liquid not containing the cleaning component from the first ejection section and the second ejection section while the container is placed on the container mounting section.

3. A lid placement portion on which the lid of the container is placed; a third discharge unit that discharges liquid onto the lid placed on the lid placement unit in the first cleaning mode, The container cleaning device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein in the second cleaning mode, the liquid is discharged from a third discharger while the lid is not placed on the lid placement portion.

4. an operation input unit that receives an instruction of an operation period of the first cleaning mode from a user, 3. The container cleaning apparatus of claim 2, which automatically operates in the third cleaning mode after operating in the first cleaning mode.

5. the predetermined condition includes that the container is removed from the container mounting portion; The container cleaning device according to claim 2 or 4, wherein after operating in the third cleaning mode, when the predetermined condition is satisfied, the container cleaning device automatically operates in the second cleaning mode.

6. A lid placement portion on which the lid of the container is placed; a third discharge unit that discharges liquid onto the lid placed on the lid placement unit in the first cleaning mode, In the second cleaning mode, liquid is discharged from a third discharge unit while the lid is not placed on the lid placement unit; The container washing apparatus according to claim 5 , wherein the predetermined condition includes that the container is removed from the container mounting portion and the lid is removed from the lid mounting portion.

7. A method for controlling a container cleaning apparatus, comprising the steps of: The container cleaning device is a container placement section on which the container is placed so that the opening of the container faces downward; A first discharge unit that discharges liquid into the container placed on the container placement unit; a second discharge portion that discharges liquid onto an outer surface of an open end of the container that contacts the container mounting portion, In a first cleaning mode, the container is cleaned by discharging liquid from the first discharge unit and the second discharge unit while the container is placed on the container placement unit; A control method for a container cleaning device in which, in a second cleaning mode, when the container is not placed on the container mounting portion, liquid is not ejected from the first discharge portion, and the container mounting portion is cleaned by ejecting liquid from the second discharge portion.

Images