Washing system

Abstract

To provide a washing system capable of effective separation washing even when dirt adhered to objects to be washed that are stacked and stored in a basket is large in amount.SOLUTION: A washing system 1 includes: a pre-washing part 10 which jets washing water to a plurality of objects to be washed such as dishes of the same kind or the like stacked and stored in a basket B and pre-washes the objects; and a main washing part 40 which jets washing water to the objects to be washed while carrying the basket, and performs separation washing of the objects to be washed by flowing the washing water in gaps among the objects to be washed. The pre-washing part and the main washing part are arranged in this order from an upstream side in a basket carrying direction.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a cleaning system including a cleaning device for separately cleaning a plurality of objects to be cleaned, such as tableware, stored in a stacked manner in a basket.

Background Art

[0002] Recently, in a feeding center or the like premised on simultaneous mass eating in schools or the like, a cleaning device adopting a cleaning method called separate cleaning is used. In separate cleaning, cleaning water is sprayed from above onto the objects to be cleaned stored in a stacked manner in a basket, thereby creating a gap between the stacked objects to be cleaned and flowing the cleaning water into the gap to wash away the dirt adhering to the objects to be cleaned.

[0003] Patent Document 1 relates to the separate cleaning of tableware or trays, which are objects to be cleaned stored in a stacked manner in a basket. Further, Patent Document 2 relates to the separate cleaning of spoons or forks, which are objects to be cleaned stored in a stacked manner in a basket.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Patent Document 2

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] In the cleaning methods described in Patent Documents 1 and 2, when the amount of dirt adhering to the objects to be cleaned is a general amount, separate cleaning can be performed with the sprayed cleaning water. However, when the adhered amount is large, it becomes difficult for the cleaning water to enter the gap between the objects to be cleaned, and there is a possibility that it becomes difficult to effectively perform separate cleaning.

[0006] An object of the present invention is to provide a cleaning system capable of effectively performing spaced cleaning even if there is a large amount of dirt attached to the objects to be cleaned stored in a stack in a basket.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0007] In order to achieve the above object, the cleaning system according to the present invention includes a pre-cleaning unit that injects cleaning water onto objects to be cleaned, which are a plurality of tableware of the same type stored in a stack in a basket, and performs pre-cleaning of the objects to be cleaned, and a main cleaning unit that injects cleaning water onto the objects to be cleaned while transporting the basket, and performs spaced cleaning of the objects to be cleaned by flowing the cleaning water through the gaps between the objects to be cleaned, and is characterized in that the pre-cleaning unit and the main cleaning unit are arranged in order from the upstream side in the transport direction of the basket.

Effects of the Invention

[0008] According to the cleaning system of the present invention, even if there is a large amount of dirt attached to the objects to be cleaned stored in a stack in a basket, spaced cleaning can be effectively performed.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0009]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Figure 6

Figure 7

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0010] The first invention is A pre - cleaning section that sprays cleaning water onto a plurality of objects to be cleaned of the same type, such as tableware, stacked and stored in a basket, and performs pre - cleaning of the objects to be cleaned, A main - cleaning section that sprays cleaning water onto the objects to be cleaned while transporting the basket, and performs separation cleaning of the objects to be cleaned by flowing the cleaning water through the gaps between the objects to be cleaned, Comprising Arranged in order from the upstream side in the conveying direction of the basket, the pre - cleaning section and the main - cleaning section are arranged side by side A cleaning system characterized by the above.

[0011] Thus, even if there is a large amount of dirt attached to the objects to be cleaned stacked and stored in the basket, the pre - cleaning can wash away the gross dirt, and the main - cleaning section can effectively perform separation cleaning.

[0012] The second invention is, in the first invention, Comprising an immersion - cleaning section that performs immersion cleaning by immersing the objects to be cleaned in immersion water stored in an immersion tank to wet the dirt attached to the objects to be cleaned, Arranged in order from the upstream side in the conveying direction of the basket, the pre - cleaning section, the immersion - cleaning section, and the main - cleaning section are arranged side by side A cleaning system characterized by the above.

[0013] As a result, it is possible to perform immersion cleaning of the object to be cleaned from which gross dirt has been removed in the pre-cleaning section. Then, the immersion water is brought into direct contact with the thin-film dirt adhering to the surface of the object to be cleaned, which is difficult to wash off with the sprayed and flowing cleaning water, to enhance the effect of immersion and make it easier to wash off the dirt in the main cleaning section.

[0014] A third invention is, in the first invention, equipped with a counting unit that counts the number of objects to be cleaned stacked and stored in the basket from the image captured by the photographing means, arranged in order of the counting unit, the pre-cleaning section, and the main cleaning section from the upstream side in the conveying direction of the basket, and performing pre-cleaning in the pre-cleaning section and spaced cleaning in the main cleaning section on the object to be cleaned for which a predetermined number has been counted by the counting unit This is a cleaning system characterized by the above.

[0015] As a result, the objects to be cleaned stored in the basket are set to a predetermined number, and effective spaced cleaning can be performed in the main cleaning section.

[0016] A fourth invention is, in the second invention, equipped with a counting unit that counts the number of objects to be cleaned stacked and stored in the basket from the captured image, arranged in order of the counting unit, the pre-cleaning section, the immersion cleaning section, and the main cleaning section from the upstream side in the conveying direction of the basket, and performing pre-cleaning in the pre-cleaning section, immersion cleaning in the immersion cleaning section, and spaced cleaning in the main cleaning section on the object to be cleaned for which a predetermined number has been counted by the counting unit This is a cleaning system characterized by the above.

[0017] As a result, the objects to be cleaned stored in the basket are set to a predetermined number, and effective spaced cleaning can be performed in the main cleaning section.

[0018] A fifth invention is, in the first invention, equipped with a counting unit that counts the number of objects to be cleaned stacked and stored in the basket from the captured image, Arrange them in order from the upstream side in the conveying direction of the basket, i.e., the pre-washing section, the counting section, and the main washing section, and perform spaced washing on the object to be washed for which a predetermined number has been counted in the counting section in the main washing section. This is a washing system characterized by the above.

[0019] As a result, it is possible to capture the image data of the object to be washed from which dirt has been washed off by pre-washing, and it is possible to reliably count the number of objects to be washed stored in the basket. Then, the objects to be washed stored in the basket are set to a predetermined number, and spaced washing can be effectively performed in the main washing section.

[0020] The sixth invention is, in the second invention, It is provided with a counting section that counts the number of objects to be washed stacked and stored in the basket from the captured image, Arrange them in order from the upstream side in the conveying direction of the basket, i.e., the pre-washing section, the counting section, the immersion washing section, and the main washing section, and perform immersion washing in the immersion washing section and spaced washing in the main washing section on the object to be washed for which a predetermined number has been counted in the counting section. This is a washing system characterized by the above.

[0021] As a result, it is possible to capture the image data of the object to be washed from which dirt has been washed off by pre-washing, and it is possible to reliably count the number of objects to be washed stored in the basket. Then, the objects to be washed stored in the basket are set to a predetermined number, and spaced washing can be effectively performed in the main washing section.

[0022] The seventh invention is, in the second invention, It is provided with a counting section that counts the number of objects to be washed stacked and stored in the basket from the captured image, Arrange them in order from the upstream side in the conveying direction of the basket, i.e., the pre-washing section, the immersion washing section, the counting section, and the main washing section, and perform spaced washing in the main washing section on the object to be washed for which a predetermined number has been counted in the counting section. This is a washing system characterized by the above.

[0023] As a result, it is possible to capture the image data of the object to be washed from which dirt has been washed off by pre-washing, and it is possible to reliably count the number of objects to be washed stored in the basket. Then, the objects to be washed stored in the basket are set to a predetermined number, and they can be effectively washed separately in the main washing section.

[0024] The eighth invention is any one of the first to fourth inventions, wherein the pre-washing section comprises a conveying means for conveying a basket for storing the objects to be washed stacked in the stacking direction of the objects to be washed, and a washing nozzle for washing the objects to be washed by spraying washing water from above the basket conveyed by the conveying means, and in the pre-washing section, the objects to be washed are washed separately by flowing washing water through the gaps between the objects to be washed characterized in that it is a washing system.

[0025] As a result, more dirt adhering to the objects to be washed can be washed off by pre-washing, and effective separate washing can be performed in the main washing.

[0026] The ninth invention is the fifth or sixth invention, wherein the temperature of the washing water sprayed in the pre-washing section is normal temperature or a temperature lower than normal temperature characterized in that it is a washing system.

[0027] As a result, it is possible to suppress the lens surface of the photographing means for photographing an image in the counting section from becoming cloudy. Then, the image photographed by the photographing means can be made clearer, and the number of objects to be washed can be counted more accurately.

[0028] (Embodiment 1) (Configuration of the washing system) First, the basic configuration of the washing system 1 of the present invention will be described.

[0029] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the washing system 1 While being conveyed by the first conveying means (conveying means) 11, washing water is sprayed onto the objects to be washed stacked and stored in the basket B, and a pre-washing unit 10 that performs pre-washing of the objects to be washed. A counting unit 20 that photographs the basket B conveyed by the second conveying means (conveying means) 21 and counts the number of objects to be washed stacked and stored in the basket B from the photographed image. While conveying the basket B in which the objects to be washed are stacked and stored by the third conveying means (conveying means) 31, immersion cleaning is performed by immersing the objects to be washed in the immersion water stored in the immersion tank 32 to moisten the dirt adhering to the objects to be washed. An immersion cleaning unit 30. By spraying washing water onto the basket B conveyed by the fourth conveying means (conveying means) 41, a main washing unit 40 that performs main washing including separation washing of the objects to be washed stacked and stored in the basket B. It is constituted by.

[0030] Note that the objects to be washed can be, for example, tableware (objects to be washed) D, trays, spoons, and forks that can be stacked and stored in the basket B. When stacking spoons and forks and storing them in the basket B, if there are holes on the handle side, a rod can be provided in the basket B and inserted into the holes to prevent the spoons and forks from being disoriented when washing water is sprayed.

[0031] (Regarding the basket) As shown in FIG. 2, the basket B for stacking and storing the objects to be washed is manufactured by bending a metal wire and welding each part.

[0032] In the present embodiment, the objects to be washed stacked and stored will be described as "tableware D". A plurality of the same type of tableware D are stacked in the basket B with the eating surfaces aligned in one direction, and only a predetermined number, for example, 30 pieces, are stored.

[0033] As the dirt adhering to the tableware D stored by stacking in the basket B, the main component is the food that adheres as leftovers after eating. The components of the food as leftovers are composed of starch, oil and fat, protein, etc. Starch becomes soft by being moistened, oil and fat dissolves by contacting cleaning water at a predetermined temperature, for example, about 40 degrees C or higher, and protein can be easily washed off by using an alkaline detergent to decompose it respectively.

[0034] Also, the distance of the gap provided between the edge on one end side where the eating surface of the tableware D stored by stacking in the basket B is open, and the wire provided so that the tableware D stored by stacking in the basket B does not fall off by contacting the edge of the basket B in the basket B storing the tableware D by stacking is set to a predetermined distance L, for example, 10 to 20 mm.

[0035] When the number of the tableware D stored by stacking in the basket B is a predetermined number determined in advance, the predetermined distance L becomes 10 to 20 mm which is a distance suitable for spaced cleaning. By securing the predetermined distance L in this way, when cleaning water is sprayed on the tableware D stored by stacking in the basket B, the cleaning water enters the gap between the eating surface of the adjacent tableware D and the surface on the side opposite to the surface, expands and separates the tableware D from each other, and the tableware D can be effectively cleaned while discharging the dirt adhering from the separated gap.

[0036] When explaining the present embodiment below, among the directions of the basket B conveyed by the first to fourth conveying means 11, 21, 31, 41, the stacking direction of the tableware D stored in the basket B may be described as the "conveying direction of the basket B", the left - right direction orthogonal to the conveying direction of the basket B as the "width direction of the basket B", and the up - down direction orthogonal to the conveying direction of the basket B as the "height direction of the basket B".

[0037] Also, the size of the basket B, for example, if storing the same - shaped and same - sized tableware D by stacking, the shapes in the width direction and the height direction of the basket B are substantially the same, and even if there is a difference of about 1 to 10 mm in size, they are substantially the same.

[0038] Incidentally, in the conveying direction of the basket B, the eating surface of the tableware D, which is the object to be washed and stacked and stored in the basket B, basically faces downstream, but it may also face upstream. Further, when the object to be washed is a tray, spoon, or fork, the concave side (surface side) basically faces downstream, but it may also face upstream.

[0039] Incidentally, as a matter of course, the basket B can store and take out the stacked tableware D by opening a part of it, and by locking the opened part, a known locking mechanism can be used to prevent the tableware D from falling out of the inside of the basket B. For example, it has a mechanism for engaging and locking the wire rods that make up the basket B.

[0040] Incidentally, when the object to be washed is the tableware D, by providing a predetermined distance L, washing water can be allowed to enter between the tableware D for spaced washing, and this is the same even if the object to be washed is a tray. Further, when the object to be washed is a spoon or fork, spaced washing can be performed even if the predetermined distance L is not 10 to 20 mm.

[0041] (Pre-washing section) Next, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 3, the pre-washing section 10 includes a first conveying means 11 which is a conveyor for conveying the basket B placed on the conveying surface from the carry-in port 17a into the guide plate 17 and out from the carry-out port 17b, a pre-washing pump 15 which sucks and discharges the washing water stored in the pre-washing tank 14 and injects the washing water from the pre-washing nozzles 16, a guide plate 17 which guides downward the washing water sprayed from the pre-washing nozzles 16 and scattered after washing the tableware D. It is constituted by

[0042] The first conveying means 11 is a slat conveyor in which slats, which are flat plates having a longitudinal direction in a horizontal direction orthogonal to the driving direction of the chain 11a, are attached to an endless chain 11a driven by a pair of sprockets 11b provided on the upstream side and the downstream side in the conveying direction of the basket B, respectively.

[0043] The slats of the slat conveyor are the placement plates 12 that store the cleaning water jetted from above. A gap 13, for example, a gap of 1 to 10 mm, is provided between adjacent placement plates 12 to allow the cleaning water and the dirt adhering to the tableware D to flow downward from the placement plates 12.

[0044] Further, the guide plate 17 is composed of a side plate 19 that covers the width direction of the basket B conveyed by the first conveying means 11 and a top plate 18 that covers the upper part of the basket B. The lower end of the side plate 19 is located at a position that is a predetermined height, for example, 1 to 5 mm higher than the upper surface of the placement plate 12 of the first conveying means 11 on which the basket B is placed. The top plate 18 is provided with a cleaning opening 18a through which the cleaning water jetted from the pre-cleaning nozzle 16 passes.

[0045] Although the placement plate 12 is a slat of the slat conveyor, even if it does not cover the entire surface of the placement surface of the first conveying means 11 on which the basket B is placed, as long as the tableware D stacked and stored in the basket B can be effectively cleaned, it may be configured to cover only a part of the placement surface of the first conveying means 11 on which the basket B is placed.

[0046] In addition, in FIG. 3, only one pre-cleaning nozzle 16 is shown, but it may be configured to include a plurality of them. In that case, the top plate 18 is preferably provided with the same number of cleaning openings 18a as the pre-cleaning nozzles 16. Further, a cap that covers the pre-cleaning nozzles 16 and the cleaning openings 18a may be attached so that the cleaning water does not scatter outside the guide plate 17 through the cleaning openings 18a.

[0047] In addition, the main cleaning unit 40 described later includes main cleaning nozzles 44 and 45 that perform the main cleaning, which is spaced cleaning, and a finishing nozzle 47 that performs finishing cleaning. However, the pre-cleaning unit 10 does not need to perform finishing cleaning. As a result, the pre-cleaning unit 10 can be configured to be shorter in the overall length in the conveying direction of the basket B than the main cleaning unit 40 described later.

[0048] (Counting unit) Next, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 4, the counting unit 20 A second conveying means 21 which is a conveyor for conveying the basket B into the housing 22 from the loading port 22a and out of the basket B from the unloading port 22b. A housing 22 that blocks the intrusion of light from above the basket B conveyed by the second conveying means 21 and from the width direction of the basket B. In the housing 22, a photographing means 23 for photographing the tableware D stacked and stored in the basket B from above. A control unit 25 that drives and stops the second conveying means 21, operates the photographing means 23, stores an image of the tableware D stacked and stored in the basket B photographed by the photographing means 23, and counts the number of tableware D. A stacking lamp 26 that lights up when the number of tableware D stacked and stored in the basket B is different from a predetermined number by the control unit 25, notifying the surrounding workers. When moisture or dirt adhering to the basket B conveyed by the second conveying means 21 falls below the second conveying means 21, a flow plate 27 receives and collects it, and a flow pipe 28 that flows the collected moisture and dirt into the pre-washing tank 14 to which they are connected. It is composed of.

[0049] Inside the housing 22, a sensor 24 is provided to detect that the basket B has been conveyed to a predetermined position where the tableware D stacked and stored in the basket B can be photographed by the photographing means 23. The sensor 24 is a combination of a light projecting means for projecting a laser and a light receiving means for receiving the laser.

[0050] In addition, the sensor 24 may use, for example, a contact type sensor or other non-contact type sensors as long as it can detect that the basket B has been conveyed to a position where it can be photographed by the photographing means 23.

[0051] The image photographed by the photographing means 23 is, for example, a grayscale image with 256 gradations according to luminance. The control unit 25 counts the number of tableware D stacked and stored in the basket B from the number of portions that are continuous and exceed a predetermined threshold value from the luminance data arranged in the stacking direction of the tableware D in the image.

[0052] In addition, the storage of the image of the basket B photographed by the photographing means 23 and the counting of the number of tableware D in the image may be performed not by the control unit 25 but by a terminal connected to the control unit 25 by wire or wirelessly, such as a PC or a tablet terminal.

[0053] In addition, as long as the number of tableware D can be counted, the image of the tableware D stacked and stored in the basket B may be an image expressed in 256 gradations of grayscale according to hue, brightness, or saturation, or a binary black-and-white image.

[0054] In addition, the predetermined number of tableware D stacked and stored in the basket B may be different for each basket B. In that case, a barcode or the like, which is an identification label associated with the predetermined number, is provided on the basket B. By reading this, the predetermined number may be recognized. When photographing the tableware D by the photographing means 23, the identification label is read, the predetermined number is recognized, and the number of tableware D is counted.

[0055] (Immersion cleaning section) As shown in FIG. 1, the immersion cleaning section 30 includes an immersion tank 32 for storing immersion water at a predetermined temperature, for example, 40 to 60 degrees Celsius, an immersion pump 33 that sucks and discharges the immersion water at a predetermined temperature stored in the immersion tank 32 from the downstream side in the conveyance direction of the basket B in the immersion tank 32 and circulates it back to the immersion tank 32 through an immersion nozzle 34 provided on the upstream side in the conveyance direction of the basket B, a third conveyance means 31 which is a conveyor that slides the basket B into the housing 35 from the carry-in port 35a by the inclined portion 32a, conveys it after immersing it in the immersion water, and discharges it from the carry-out port 35b, and is composed of.

[0056] A detergent corresponding to the type of dirt of the tableware D stacked and stored in the basket B is added to the immersion water stored in the immersion tank 32. The detergent is, for example, an enzyme detergent that decomposes proteins or an alkaline detergent.

[0057] The third conveying means 31 is composed of a horizontal conveying section 31a that conveys the basket B carried in by sliding on the inclined section 32a in the horizontal direction, and an inclined conveying section 31b that is inclined upward on the downstream side for conveying the basket B conveyed by the horizontal conveying section 31a.

[0058] Note that the immersion cleaning section 30 may be configured to immerse the lower side of the tableware D stored in a stacked manner in the basket B being conveyed in at least the horizontal conveying section 31a or the inclined conveying section 31b in the immersion water, and spray the cleaning water toward the upper side of the tableware D not immersed in the immersion water.

[0059] (Main cleaning section) As shown in FIG. 1, the main cleaning section 40 is a fourth conveying means 41 which is a conveyor that conveys the basket B carried into the housing 48 from the carry-in port 48a and discharges it from the carry-out port 48b, sucks and discharges the cleaning water stored in the main cleaning tank 42 by the main cleaning pump 43, sprays the cleaning water onto the tableware D stored in a stacked manner in the basket B conveyed by the fourth conveying means 41, and performs the main cleaning which is spaced cleaning, a first main cleaning nozzle (main cleaning nozzle) 44 and a second main cleaning nozzle (main cleaning nozzle) 45, a finishing nozzle 47 that sprays clear water, for example, tap water, onto the tableware D that has finished the main cleaning and is stored in a stacked manner in the basket B conveyed by the fourth conveying means 41 to perform finishing cleaning, and is composed of

[0060] A detergent, for example, an alkaline detergent, adapted to the dirt adhering to the tableware D is put into the cleaning water stored in the main cleaning tank 42. It is preferable to attach a detergent supply device that supplies the detergent to the main cleaning tank 42 according to the configuration of the main cleaning section 40.

[0061] In addition, if the main cleaning tank 42, the main cleaning pump 43, the first main cleaning nozzle 44, and the second main cleaning nozzle 45 are regarded as a set of main cleaning equipment, the main cleaning section 40 may be provided with a plurality of sets of cleaning equipment. Also, the main cleaning nozzle does not necessarily have to be two like the first main cleaning nozzle 44 and the second main cleaning nozzle 45, and may be one main cleaning nozzle. Further, a plurality of finishing nozzles 47 may be provided.

[0062] In addition, the finishing nozzle 47 that injects clean water, which is tap water, is regarded as a set of finishing cleaning equipment composed of a finishing tank, a finishing pump, and the finishing nozzle 47. The finishing water stored in the finishing tank, such as pure water, soft water, tap water, or other rinsing agents mixed together, is sucked in and discharged by the finishing pump, and may be injected from the finishing nozzle 47 onto the tableware D stacked and stored in the basket B. Also, a plurality of sets of finishing cleaning equipment may be provided.

[0063] In addition, the first to fourth conveying means 11, 21, 31, 41 do not necessarily have to be separate conveying means, and it is also possible to use a single integrated conveying means for the first to fourth conveying means 11, 21, 31, 41. Also, it is possible to use a conveying means configured by appropriately combining a plurality of conveying means, such as integrating the first and second conveying means 11, 21 and integrating the third and fourth conveying means 31, 41 into one conveying means respectively.

[0064] In addition, it is preferable to appropriately provide drain pipes and valves in the pre - cleaning tank 14, the draining plate 27, the immersion tank 32, and the main cleaning tank 42.

[0065] (Cleaning Method) Next, a cleaning method using the cleaning system 1 will be described.

[0066] The cleaning method using the cleaning system 1 shown in FIG. 1 is a pre - cleaning step of performing pre - cleaning by injecting cleaning water onto the tableware D stacked and stored in the basket B while being conveyed by the first conveying means 11 in the pre - cleaning section 10, and In the counting unit 20, a counting step is performed in which the basket B carried in by the second conveying means 21 is photographed inside the housing 22 to capture an image of the tableware D stacked and stored in the basket B, and the number of pieces of tableware D is counted from the image. In the immersion cleaning unit 30, while being conveyed by the third conveying means 31, the basket B is immersed in immersion water at a predetermined temperature stored in the immersion tank 32, and immersion cleaning of the tableware D stacked and stored in the basket B is performed. In the main cleaning unit 40, while being conveyed by the fourth conveying means 41, cleaning water is sprayed onto the tableware D stacked and stored in the basket B for spaced cleaning, and clean water is sprayed for finish cleaning to perform main cleaning of the tableware D. It is composed of

[0067] (Pre-cleaning step) The pre-cleaning step performed first will be described.

[0068] First, as shown in FIG. 3, the basket B in which the tableware D is stacked and stored is placed on the conveying surface of the first conveying means 11, and the first conveying means 11 is driven to carry the basket B from the carry-in port 17a of the guide plate 17 into the guide plate 17.

[0069] Inside the guide plate 17, the cleaning water stored in the pre-cleaning tank 14 is sucked and discharged by the pre-cleaning pump 15 and sprayed from the pre-cleaning nozzle 16 onto the tableware D to be cleaned. The cleaning water sprayed onto the tableware D flows through the gaps between the tableware D stacked and stored in the basket B. Thereby, pre-cleaning is performed to wash away the dirt adhering to the tableware D.

[0070] After the cleaning is completed, the basket B is carried out of the carry-out port 17b of the guide plate 17 by the first conveying means 11 and conveyed toward the counting unit 20 located on the downstream side.

[0071] Note that spaced cleaning may be performed in which the cleaning water sprayed into the gaps between the tableware D to be cleaned is allowed to enter, the gaps between the tableware D are pushed apart and spaced, and the tableware D is effectively cleaned while discharging the adhering dirt from the spaced gaps.

[0072] Generally, in the spaced cleaning, if one cycle of the spaced cleaning is defined as continuously performing the spaced cleaning from the first object to be cleaned, onto which the cleaning water is first sprayed, to the last object to be cleaned in the conveyance direction of the basket B, the spaced cleaning is repeated a plurality of times.

[0073] Therefore, when performing the spaced cleaning in the pre-cleaning step, in one cycle of the spaced cleaning, the dirt attached to the tableware D is roughly washed off. Note that the spaced cleaning in the pre-cleaning unit 10 may be performed not only once but also a plurality of times.

[0074] And by roughly washing off the dirt attached to the tableware D in the pre-cleaning unit 10, it is possible to suppress the immersion water for water storage from getting dirty in the immersion cleaning unit 30 that performs the immersion cleaning step, which is a subsequent process, and it becomes easier to maintain the effect of the immersion cleaning of the tableware D by the immersion water.

[0075] Also, by performing the spaced cleaning in the pre-cleaning step, it is possible to once widen the gap between the tableware D before performing the main cleaning step described later, and it becomes easier to space apart the tableware D in the spaced cleaning in the main cleaning step. And in the main cleaning step, the spaced cleaning can be performed more reliably.

[0076] FIG. 5(a) is a left side cross-sectional view of the pre-cleaning unit 10, and the solid arrows represent the flow of the cleaning water that has entered between the tableware D among the cleaning water sprayed onto the tableware D. Also, the white arrows represent the flow of the cleaning water that has flowed outside the tableware D without entering between the tableware D by contacting the edge of the tableware D and has scattered.

[0077] FIG. 5(b) is also a left side cross-sectional view of the pre-cleaning unit 10, and the solid arrows represent the flow of the cleaning water that has entered between the tableware D and then flows onto the placement plate 12, and the flow of the cleaning water that has scattered from between the tableware D and reached the guide plate 17 and is guided downward by the guide plate 17. Also, the white arrows represent the flow of the cleaning water that has flowed outside the tableware D and scattered and flows onto the placement plate 12, and the flow of the cleaning water that has reached the guide plate 17 and is guided downward.

[0078] In addition, the washing water represented by the solid arrows and the white arrows is temporarily stored in the central part of the tableware D and below the tableware D while flowing, and the stored part is described by a Daruma-shaped part with diagonal lines inside.

[0079] As shown in FIG. 5(a), the flow of the washing water described by the solid arrows enters the gaps between the tableware D and washes the adjacent tableware D.

[0080] The flow of the washing water described by the white arrows does not enter the gaps between the tableware D, but flows outside the tableware D and scatters. At this time, the outside of the tableware D is washed.

[0081] In addition, as shown in FIG. 5(b), the flow of the washing water that has entered the gaps between the tableware D and the flow of the washing water that has not entered the gaps between the tableware D but has flowed outside the tableware D and scattered are primarily stored on the placement plate 12. The stored washing water slows down the outflow of the washing water that has entered the gaps between the tableware D, and while flowing the washing water that has entered the gaps between the tableware D, it is primarily stored. Then, "immersion washing with washing water" can be performed to wash away the dirt adhering to the tableware D.

[0082] In this immersion washing with washing water, the dirt adhering to the tableware D is wetted, and the dirt that is difficult to wash off only with the washing water that instantaneously flows on the surface of the tableware D can be washed off by the method of immersion washing with continuously flowing washing water. And the washing in the pre-washing section 10 can be made effective.

[0083] Then, the washing water primarily stored on the placement plate 12 and the washing water temporarily stored in the gaps between the tableware D, together with the dirt adhering to the tableware D, flow from the gap 13 of the placement plate 12 of the first conveying means 11, flow through the flow plate 46 below the first conveying means 11, and fall into the pre-washing tank 14.

[0084] In addition, the cleaning water temporarily stored between the cleaning water temporarily stored on the placement plate 12 and the tableware D flows out in a direction perpendicular to the conveying direction of the basket B through the gap between the side plate 19 of the guide plate 17 and the placement plate 12 of the first conveying means 11. Then, it falls into the pre-washing tank 14 from the gap 13 of the placement plate 12 and the gap between the placement plate 12 and the plate located outside the side plate 19.

[0085] The cleaning water that has fallen into the pre-washing tank 14 is sucked in again by the pre-washing pump 15 and discharged, and is sprayed onto the tableware D stacked and stored in the basket B for new pre-washing, and is recycled.

[0086] Note that it is not necessary to provide the gap 13 between adjacent placement plates 12. Thereby, the cleaning water can be effectively stored temporarily on the placement plate 12.

[0087] Note that the distance between the two side plates 19 in the width direction of the basket B, the distance between the basket B and the top plate 18 in the height direction of the basket B, and the distance between the lower end of the tableware D to be cleaned and the placement plate 12 shown in FIGS. 3 and 5 are preferably as close as possible. Thereby, it is possible to easily store the cleaning water on the placement plate 12.

[0088] Note that various waters can be used for the cleaning water stored in the pre-washing tank 14, such as fresh water from tap water, a mixture of the fresh water and Fine Bubble (registered trademark), a flow of the immersion water stored in the immersion tank 32 of the immersion cleaning unit 30 to the pre-washing tank 14 through a pipeline (not shown), and a mixture of the immersion water and Fine Bubble. Further, the cleaning water stored in the pre-washing tank 14 may be heated by heating means, such as a gas booster, an electric heater, or the inflow of high-temperature steam, to raise the temperature.

[0089] In addition, for example, when sequentially cleaning cages B such as cages B for stacking and storing small bowls and cages B for stacking and storing trays, which are extremely different in size, it is advisable to prepare and clean multiple pre-cleaning units 10 equipped with guide plates 17 of different sizes. Alternatively, when it is difficult to secure the floor area for arranging multiple pre-cleaning units 10, it is advisable to clean with at least one pre-cleaning unit 10 configured such that the shape of the guide plate 17 can be changed in the width direction and height direction of the cage B.

[0090] In addition, in FIG. 3, the guide plate 17 and the placement plate 12 are shown as flat plates, but they may have shapes such as being partially bent or having uneven shapes on the surface. For example, by providing unevenness on the side plate 19, it is also possible to wash the tableware D by flowing the washing water that has reached the side plate 19 onto the tableware D. Thereby, the dirt adhering to the tableware D can be washed away more effectively.

[0091] In addition, the configuration of the pre-cleaning unit 10 may be such that all or part of the guide plate 17 or the placement plate 12 is omitted.

[0092] If at least the side plate 19 of the guide plate 17 is omitted, the dirt adhering to the portion below the tableware D can be washed away with the washing water that is temporarily stored on the placement plate 12. However, compared with the case where the side plate 19 is present, the amount of washing water that can be temporarily stored is reduced. Therefore, it is preferable not to omit at least the side plate 19 so as to temporarily store more washing water for cleaning.

[0093] In addition, the first conveying means 11 may be configured to place a plurality of cages B side by side in the width direction of the cage B. In that case, the pre-cleaning unit 10 may be provided with a plurality of cleaning nozzles 16 and cleaning openings 18a, or the cleaning opening 18a may be elliptical or the like, and a cleaning nozzle for spraying washing water in a planar shape from a slit nozzle may be provided.

[0094] Since the placement plate 12 is a slat of an endless slat conveyor, the surface opposite to the surface on which the basket B is placed, that is, the inner surface of the slat, may be soiled by the dirt adhering to the tableware D or the growth of various bacteria due to moisture. Therefore, a brush or a cleaning nozzle for cleaning the inner surface of the placement plate 12 may be provided to clean the inner surface of the placement plate 12.

[0095] (Counting step) The counting step performed after the pre-cleaning step will be described.

[0096] As shown in FIG. 4, the second conveying means 21 receives the basket B that stacks and stores the tableware D that has completed the pre-cleaning step from the first conveying means 11, and conveys it into the housing 22 through the carry-in port 22a.

[0097] When the second conveying means 21 conveys the basket B to a predetermined position where it can be photographed by the photographing means 23, the sensor 24 detects the basket B and sends a signal to the control unit 25. The control unit 25 receives the signal and stops the second conveying means 21.

[0098] After the second conveying means 21 stops, the photographing means 23 provided in the housing 22 photographs the tableware D stacked and stored in the basket B. The photographed image is sent to the control unit 25 and saved, and the control unit 25 counts the number of tableware D stacked and stored in the basket B based on the saved image.

[0099] Note that the tableware D may be photographed by the photographing means 23 without stopping the conveying means 21 at the timing when the sensor 24 detects the basket B. Also, the driving of the conveying means 21 may be set to a low speed when photographing.

[0100] When the number of tableware D stacked and stored in the basket B is a predetermined number, it is carried out of the housing 22 by the second conveying means 21 through the carry-out port 22b, and the basket B is conveyed toward the immersion cleaning unit 30 located on the downstream side.

[0101] In the pre-washing step, which is a process prior to this counting step, the dirt adhering to the tableware D is roughly washed away. This makes it possible to minimize the dirt on the part to be photographed by the photographing means 23 of the tableware D. Then, in the counting step, the part where the dirt on the tableware D has been roughly washed away is photographed by the photographing means 23, and the image is saved to the control unit 25.

[0102] Thereby, the control unit 25 can accurately count the number of tableware D.

[0103] Also, when recognizing a predetermined number of tableware D stacked and stored in the basket B with a barcode or the like as an identification label, it is preferable to pre-wash by spraying washing water on the part of the identification label.

[0104] Thereby, the dirt adhering to the surface of the identification label can be removed, and the identification label can be accurately read.

[0105] Note that the temperature of the washing water sprayed in the pre-washing step may be normal temperature or a temperature lower than normal temperature. It is possible to suppress the generation of steam from the washing water inside the housing 22 of the counting unit 20, and it is possible to suppress the lens surface of the photographing means 23 from fogging inside the housing 22 of the counting unit 20.

[0106] Thereby, the image photographed by the photographing means 23 can be made clearer, and the control unit 25 can count the number of tableware D more accurately.

[0107] When the number of tableware D stacked and stored in the basket B is different from the predetermined number, the control unit 25 lights up the stacking lamp 26 to notify the surrounding workers. Then, the worker takes out the basket B by hand, adjusts the number of stacked and stored tableware D to the predetermined number, places the basket B on the upstream side of the second conveying means 21, and performs the counting step again.

[0108] As a result, in the subsequent immersion cleaning step, it is possible to perform immersion cleaning of the tableware D stacked and stored in the basket B while ensuring a predetermined distance L. Then, by allowing the tableware D stacked and stored in the basket B to have some play and facilitating the flow of the immersion water between the tableware D, the immersion cleaning of the tableware D can be made effective.

[0109] In addition, in the subsequent main cleaning step, it is possible to perform main cleaning of the tableware D stacked and stored in the basket B while ensuring a predetermined distance L. Then, the separation cleaning and the finish cleaning, which are the main cleaning of the tableware D stacked and stored in the basket B, can be made effective.

[0110] Also, the moisture and dirt adhering to the tableware D stacked and stored in the basket B may fall downward below the second conveying means 21 for conveying. Since a draining plate 27 for receiving and collecting such moisture and dirt is provided below the second conveying means 21, it is received and collected by the draining plate 27, and further flowed to the pre-washing tank 14 through a flow pipe 28 connected from the draining plate 27.

[0111] As a result, it is possible to prevent the breeding of pests and miscellaneous bacteria due to the moisture falling on the floor surface where the counting unit 20 is installed or the dirt falling on the installed floor surface. And it can contribute to hygiene management in accordance with HACCP, for example, dry operation.

[0112] In addition, when the number of the tableware D counted by the control unit 25 is different from a predetermined number, a conveying means for conveying the basket B in a direction different from the downstream side of the second conveying means 21 may be provided in the counting unit 20.

[0113] In that case, a worker is made to wait at the destination conveyed by the conveying means. After the worker sets the number of the tableware D stacked and stored in the basket B to the predetermined number, the basket B is placed again on the upstream side of the second conveying means 21 and carried into the housing 22 again for counting.

[0114] Also, in that case, the work of the worker may be substituted by the robot. In this case, the number of personnel required for the work of adjusting the number of tableware D stacked and stored in the basket B can be reduced, contributing to labor savings.

[0115] (Immersion cleaning step) The immersion cleaning step performed after the counting step will be described.

[0116] As shown in FIG. 1, the basket B that has completed the counting step by the counting unit 20 is conveyed by the second conveying means 21 to the inclined portion 32a on the inlet 35a side of the immersion tank 32. The inclined portion 32a of the immersion tank 32 conveys the basket B by its own weight and slides it into the immersion water stored in the immersion tank 32.

[0117] In the immersion water, while the basket B is being conveyed horizontally by the horizontal conveying portion 31a of the third conveying means 31, immersion cleaning is performed to wet and wash away the dirt adhering to the tableware D stacked and stored in the basket B. As a result, when performing separation cleaning in the main cleaning step, which is a subsequent process, since the dirt is wetted, it is possible to easily wash away the dirt from the tableware D.

[0118] Then, the basket B conveyed downstream by the horizontal conveying portion 31a is conveyed upward by the inclined conveying portion 31b that slopes upward on the downstream side, and after being taken out of the immersion water, it is carried out from the outlet 35b to the main cleaning unit 40.

[0119] In the pre - cleaning step, which is a previous process before this immersion cleaning step, the dirt adhering to the tableware D is roughly washed away by the cleaning water temporarily stored on the placement plate 12 and the cleaning water temporarily stored in the gap between the tableware D.

[0120] The tableware D immersed in the immersion water has different water pressures on the lower half side, which is far from the water surface of the immersion water stored in the immersion tank 32, and the upper half side, which is close to the water surface. As a result, the immersion water has different forces of penetrating into the dirt and wetting the dirt.

[0121] The lower half side of the tableware D immersed in a part where the distance from the water surface is far and the force to wet the dirt is strong has a high immersion effect due to the immersion water. Conversely, the upper half side of the tableware D immersed in a part where the distance from the water surface is near and the force to wet the dirt is weak has a weak immersion effect due to the immersion water. However, by washing away the dirt attached to the tableware D by pre-washing, the immersion effect can be supplemented.

[0122] Thereby, the immersion effect of the tableware D due to the immersion water can be enhanced. And effective spaced washing can be performed in the main washing step.

[0123] Furthermore, in the immersion washing step, the immersion water is directly brought into contact with the thin-film-like dirt sticking to the surface of the tableware D that is difficult to wash off with the sprayed and flowing washing water, wetting the thin-film-like dirt, washing it off, or making it easier to wash off in the main washing step which is the subsequent process. And the spaced washing and the finishing washing which are the main washings of the tableware D stacked and stored in the basket B can be made effective.

[0124] Furthermore, when a detergent, for example, an enzyme detergent that decomposes proteins or an alkaline detergent, etc. is put into the immersion water, it can be brought into contact with and act on the thin-film-like dirt, and a high washing effect can be exerted. In addition, since the dirt attached to the tableware D in the pre-washing step is roughly washed off, the amount of the detergent put into the immersion water can also be reduced.

[0125] Also, the amount of dirt attached to the tableware D in contact with the immersion water can be made as small as possible, suppressing the immersion water from getting dirty, and making it easy to maintain the immersion washing effect of the tableware D by the immersion water.

[0126] (Main washing step) The main washing step performed after the immersion washing step will be described.

[0127] As shown in FIG. 1, the fourth conveying means 41 receives the basket B that has completed the immersion cleaning step by the immersion cleaning unit 30 from the third conveying means 31, and conveys it into the housing 48 through the conveyance inlet 48a.

[0128] Inside the housing 48, the cleaning water stored in the main cleaning tank 42 is sucked and discharged by the main cleaning pump 43, and is jetted from the first main cleaning nozzle 44 and the second main cleaning nozzle 45 onto the basket B. The cleaning water jetted onto the basket B causes a gap between the tableware D stacked and stored in the basket B to allow the cleaning water to flow, and performs the main cleaning, which is separation cleaning for washing away the dirt adhering to the tableware D.

[0129] Also, in the pre-cleaning step which is the previous step, the dirt adhering to the tableware D is roughly washed away by the jetted cleaning water, the cleaning water temporarily stored on the mounting plate 12, and the cleaning water temporarily stored in the gap between the tableware D.

[0130] Thus, in this main cleaning step, when a detergent, such as an alkaline detergent, is added to the cleaning water stored in the main cleaning tank 42, it can come into contact with and act on the thin-film-like dirt sticking to the surface of the tableware D, and can exhibit a high cleaning effect.

[0131] Also, thereby, the dirt adhering to the tableware D washed away by the cleaning water jetted from the first main cleaning nozzle 44 and the second main cleaning nozzle 45 can be reduced. And it is possible to suppress the cleaning water stored in the main cleaning tank 42 from getting dirty, reduce the frequency of replacing the cleaning water stored in the main cleaning tank 42 due to the dirtiness of the cleaning water, and reduce the amount of cleaning water used in this main cleaning. In addition, by reducing the frequency of replacing the cleaning water, the amount of detergent added to the cleaning water can be reduced, and the running cost for cleaning the tableware D can be reduced.

[0132] After performing this main cleaning, clear water jetted from the finishing nozzle 47 is jetted onto the basket B conveyed by the fourth conveying means 41. And the finishing cleaning of the tableware D stacked and stored in the basket B is performed.

[0133] After the finish cleaning is performed, the basket B is carried out from the carry-out port 48b of the housing 48 by the fourth conveying means 41.

[0134] Drain pipes and valves are provided in the pre-cleaning tank 14 of the pre-cleaning section 10, the immersion tank 32 of the immersion cleaning section 30, and the main cleaning tank 42 of the main cleaning section 40, and drainage can be performed from each tank. Further, an overflow pipe (drain pipe) for overflowing and draining when the water level in each tank exceeds a predetermined level may be provided.

[0135] Note that the cleaning method of the present embodiment is composed of four steps: a pre-cleaning step, a counting step, an immersion cleaning step, and a main cleaning step. However, at least one step may be excluded, the order of each step may be changed, or different steps may be added. However, the main cleaning step is performed as the last step, and the pre-cleaning step is performed before the main cleaning step.

[0136] In any case, since the pre-cleaning step is performed as a step before the main cleaning step, separation cleaning can be efficiently performed.

[0137] Also, when the immersion step is performed after the pre-cleaning step, the object to be cleaned from which gross dirt has been removed in the pre-cleaning section 10 can be immersed. Then, the immersion water can be directly brought into contact with the thin-film-like dirt adhering to the surface of the object to be cleaned that is difficult to wash off with the sprayed and flowing cleaning water, thereby enhancing the effect of immersion.

[0138] Also, when the counting step is performed after the pre-cleaning step, the image data of the object to be cleaned from which dirt has been washed off in the pre-cleaning can be taken, and the number of objects to be cleaned stored in the basket B can be reliably counted.

[0139] Note that in the present embodiment, the guide plate 17 and the placement plate 12 are provided in the pre-cleaning section 10. However, members for temporarily storing cleaning water, such as plate materials and bar materials, may be attached to the basket B in the gap between the placement plate 12 and the tableware D.

[0140] (Embodiment 2) Next, the cleaning system 101 according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention will be described.

[0141] Since Embodiment 2 is basically the same as Embodiment 1, the description will focus on the different parts, and the description of the same parts will be omitted. Also, the parts corresponding to those in Embodiment 1 will be described with the same reference numerals.

[0142] The part different from Embodiment 1 is the pre-cleaning unit 110. In the first conveying means 11 provided in the pre-cleaning unit 10, the gap 13 between adjacent mounting plates 12 is made substantially non-existent, and the upper surface of the mounting plate 12 is made easier to store cleaning water.

[0143] Furthermore, a convex portion 113 extending in a direction orthogonal to the conveying direction is provided on the upper surface of the mounting plate 12. By the driving of the first conveying means 11, the convex portion 113 moves in the conveying direction, so that a space S for temporarily storing cleaning water is formed by the side plate 19 of the guide plate 17 and the convex portion 113.

[0144] (Pre-cleaning unit) The pre-cleaning unit 110 of the cleaning system 101 will be specifically described with reference to FIGS. 6 and 7.

[0145] As shown in FIG. 6, a convex portion 113 having a rectangular cross-section is provided on the upper surface of the mounting plate 112 of the first conveying means (conveying means) 111 of the pre-cleaning unit 110, and is formed to have a longitudinal direction in a direction orthogonal to the conveying direction of the basket B. The longitudinal length of the convex portion 113 is formed to be a length that can pass between the side plates 19 of the guide plate 17 in the conveying direction. Note that the horizontal ends of the convex portion 113 orthogonal to the conveying direction are preferably close to the side plates 19. And the convex portion 113 acts to prevent the cleaning water flowing on the upper surface of the mounting plate 112 from flowing upstream and downstream in the conveying direction.

[0146] In addition, a plurality of convex portions 113 are provided at a predetermined interval in the conveying direction of the first conveying means 111, for example, at an interval equal to or greater than the length of the cage B in the conveying direction. The upstream convex portion 113 and the downstream convex portion 113 adjacent to each other in the conveying direction form a "compartment" in which at least one cage B can be placed. The cage B placed on the upper surface of the placement plate 112 within one compartment is conveyed in the conveying direction by the driving of the first conveying means 111.

[0147] Note that one compartment may be configured to be able to place a plurality of cages B at least in the conveying direction or in a direction orthogonal to the conveying direction. In that case, the length in the direction orthogonal to the conveying direction of the placement plate 112 and the convex portion 113, the interval in the conveying direction of the convex portion 113, the interval in the direction orthogonal to the conveying direction of the guide plate 17, the length in the conveying direction of the side plate 19 of the guide plate 17 described later, etc. may be adjusted.

[0148] The lower end portion of the side plate 19 of the guide plate 17 is located above the placement plate 112 of the first conveying means 111 and is arranged close to the upper surface (the placement surface of the cage B) of the placement plate 112.

[0149] As shown in FIGS. 7(a) and 7(b), on the upper surface of the placement plate 112, a space S surrounded by two adjacent convex portions 113, the side plate 19, and the placement plate 112 that constitute one compartment is formed. This space S is configured to be able to temporarily store the cleaning water sprayed onto the tableware D stacked and stored in the cage B conveyed by the first conveying means 111.

[0150] The side plate 19 is formed to have a length in the conveying direction such that, among the tableware D stacked and stored on the cage B conveyed by the first conveying means 111, from the tableware D at the downstream end in the conveying direction where the cleaning water is first sprayed from the pre-cleaning nozzle 16 to the tableware D at the upstream end in the conveying direction where the cleaning water is finally sprayed, at least two adjacent convex portions 113 forming one space S can be located within the range of the length of the side plate 19 in the conveying direction.

[0151] Incidentally, the vertical length of the space S is preferably formed such that a part of the tableware D stacked and stored in the basket B is immersed in the washing water temporarily stored in the space S. In this case, for example, the upper end of the convex portion 113 may be made higher than the lower end of the tableware D stacked and stored in the basket B placed on the upper surface of the mounting plate 112 in the space S. Thus, the size of the space S in the height direction can be adjusted by the height of the convex portion 113 from the mounting surface of the mounting plate 112.

[0152] Incidentally, although the example in which the side plate 19 of the guide plate 17 is disposed above the upper surface of the mounting plate 112 has been described, it may be configured to sandwich at least the forward path side of the first conveying means 111, that is, the horizontal end portion orthogonal to the conveying direction of the mounting plate 112, with the side plate 19. Also in that case, by bringing the horizontal end portion of the convex portion 113 orthogonal to the conveying direction close to the side plate 19, a space S surrounded by two adjacent convex portions 113, the side plate 19, and the mounting plate 112 that constitute one section can be formed.

[0153] Incidentally, the convex portion 113 is described by taking, as an example, a substantially rectangular shape in a front view in FIG. 7. However, as long as the washing water can be temporarily stored in the space S and the basket B can be pushed, any shape such as a substantially triangular shape or an L-shaped plate in a front view may be used.

[0154] (Pre-washing step) Next, the pre-washing step in the washing system 101 will be described.

[0155] First, as shown in FIG. 6, the basket B in which the tableware D is stacked and stored is placed on the upper surface of the mounting plate 112 in one section of the first conveying means 111, and the first conveying means 111 is driven to carry it into the guide plate 17 from the carry-in port 17a of the guide plate 17.

[0156] When the basket B is conveyed in the conveying direction by driving the first conveying means 111, two adjacent convex portions 113 that form one section are positioned between the side plates 19 of the guide plate 17, and the space S is formed.

[0157] When the basket B is further conveyed, as shown in Fig. 7(a), cleaning water is sprayed from the pre-cleaning nozzle 16 in order from the tableware D on the downstream side in the conveying direction to the tableware D on the upstream side among the tableware D stored in a stacked manner in the basket B.

[0158] The cleaning water sprayed toward the tableware D, flowing between the tableware D, and containing dirt flowing out from between the tableware D flows onto the upper surface of the mounting plate 112, or reaches the side plate 19 and flows down along the side plate 19, and is temporarily stored in the space S surrounded by two adjacent convex portions 113, the side plate 19, and the mounting plate 112 that constitute one section.

[0159] The length of the side plate 19 of the guide plate 17 in the conveying direction is configured to have a predetermined length. Thereby, as shown in Figs. 7(a) and 7(b), when two adjacent convex portions 113 forming the space S are located within the range of the length of the side plate 19 in the conveying direction, the cleaning water sprayed from the pre-cleaning nozzle 16 can be temporarily stored in the space S.

[0160] And during this time, cleaning water is sprayed in order from the tableware D at the downstream end in the conveying direction to the tableware D at the upstream end in the conveying direction among the tableware D stored in a stacked manner in the basket B conveyed by the first conveying means 111.

[0161] The dirt on the tableware D can be washed away while the cleaning water is being sprayed from the pre-cleaning nozzle 16. Further, the tableware D can be immersed while the cleaning water is temporarily stored in the space S. That is, the tableware D can be immersed in the space S for a longer time than when the tableware D is cleaned by spraying the cleaning water from the pre-cleaning nozzle 16.

[0162] Thereby, the upper half side of the tableware D is washed of dirt by the cleaning water sprayed from the pre-cleaning nozzle 16, and the lower half side of the tableware D where the flow of the sprayed cleaning water becomes weak is immersed by the cleaning water temporarily stored in the space S, and the pre-cleaning of the entire tableware D can be effectively performed.

[0163] In addition, the dirt adhering to the portion immersed in the cleaning water temporarily stored in the space S of the tableware D can be washed away by the flow of the cleaning water in the space S. Thereby, the lower half side of the tableware D where the cleaning water sprayed from above the pre-cleaning nozzle 16 hardly reaches can be effectively cleaned.

[0164] In addition, when a part of the tableware D stacked and stored in the basket B is immersed in the cleaning water temporarily stored in the space S, a gap is likely to be generated between the tableware D due to buoyancy. Thereby, the cleaning water sprayed from the pre-cleaning nozzle 16 is promoted to flow between the tableware D, and a larger amount of cleaning water can be made to flow between the tableware D, and the dirt adhering between the eating surfaces and the back surfaces of the adjacent tableware D can be effectively washed away.

[0165] In addition, the cleaning water flowing outside the tableware D or scattered around the tableware D washes away the dirt adhering to the tableware D and flows onto the upper surface of the mounting plate 112 together with the dirt, or reaches the top plate 18 or the side plate 19 and flows down along the side plate 19 to the mounting plate 112 (see FIG. 5). Then, the cleaning water that has flowed onto the upper surface of the mounting plate 112 together with the dirt is temporarily stored in the space S.

[0166] In this way, a space S for temporarily storing cleaning water can be formed on the upper surface of the mounting plate 112 with a simple configuration, and the pre-cleaning of the tableware D stacked and stored in the basket B located in this space S can be made effective.

[0167] Then, as shown in FIG. 7(c), the space S formed on the upper surface of the mounting plate 112 moves in the conveying direction by the drive of the first conveying means 111. When the convex portion 113 on the downstream side forming the space S is located on the downstream side of the side plate 19, a part of the horizontal direction orthogonal to the conveying direction of the space S is opened. From this opened portion, the cleaning water temporarily stored in the space S is made to flow on the upper surface of the mounting plate 112 together with the dirt and discharged from the space S. The cleaning water discharged from the space S together with the dirt flows on the upper surface of the mounting plate 112 in the horizontal direction orthogonal to the conveying direction and flows down from both left and right ends of the mounting plate 112.

[0168] As shown in FIG. 6, the washing water flowing down from the mounting plate 112 is configured to flow into the pre-washing tank 14 below the first conveying means 111 via a strainer (not shown).

[0169] Since the mounting plate 112 is a slat which is a flat plate having a longitudinal direction in a horizontal direction orthogonal to the driving direction of the chain 11a in the first conveying means 111 which is a slat conveyor, dirt washed off from the tableware D hardly remains, it is easy to flow in the horizontal direction, and flows down downward from the horizontal end of the mounting plate 112.

[0170] Thereby, it is possible to suppress as much as possible the adhesion of dirt to the inner surface of the mounting plate 112 and the chain 11a on the return path side of the first conveying means 111. And, by preventing the dirt from being caught between the chain 11a and the movable part of the mounting plate 112 which is a slat, it is possible to suppress the difficulty of movement and the deterioration of cleanability.

[0171] In the case where the first conveying means 111 is an endless conveyor constituted by a known net or chain, there is a problem that dirt washed away from the tableware D becomes entangled in the net or chain and is caught between movable parts, making it difficult to move and having very poor cleanability. However, according to the present invention, such problems can be solved.

[0172] In the first conveying means 111, although the gap 13 between adjacent mounting plates 112 is eliminated, strictly speaking, there may be a little gap. Even if there is a little gap, if the amount of washing water jetted from the pre-washing nozzle 16 and flowing into the space S is larger than the amount of washing water flowing down from the gap, the washing water will be stored in the space S.

[0173] The dirt adhering to the tableware D in the pre-washing step often includes large residue such as uneaten food after eating. These dirt are difficult to flow down from a little gap of the mounting plate 112 even if pre-washing is performed and washed away. Therefore, there may be a little gap between the mounting plates 112.

[0174] Even if the washing water temporarily stored in the space S is discharged together with the dirt, some dirt may remain on the upper surface of the mounting plate 112 in the space S. Even in such a case, by driving the first conveying means 111, the mounting plate 112 with dirt remaining on its upper surface can be dropped from the mounting plate 112 facing downward of the first conveying means 111 when turning back the downstream sprocket 11b and moving to the return path side. Thereby, it is possible to prevent the dirt remaining on the upper surface of the mounting plate 112 on the forward path side of the first conveying means 111 from adhering to the inner surface of the chain 11a or the mounting plate 112 located on the return path side.

[0175] Since the mounting plate 112 is a slat which is a flat plate of the first conveying means 111, the dirt washed off from the tableware D hardly remains and can be easily dropped. Also, a washing fluid may be sprayed toward the mounting plate 112 on the return path side to remove the dirt adhering to the mounting plate 112.

[0176] The washing water flowing downward together with the dirt from the horizontal end portion orthogonal to the conveying direction of the mounting plate 112 flows into the pre-washing tank 14 through a strainer (not shown). The washing water flowing into the pre-washing tank 14 is sucked and discharged by the pre-washing pump 15, and is sprayed again from the pre-washing nozzle 16 onto the tableware D stacked and stored in the basket B, and is circulated and used.

[0177] Note that the present invention can appropriately combine the contents described in the embodiments and modification examples.

Explanation of Reference Numerals

[0178] 1 Washing system 10 Pre-washing section 11 First conveying means (conveying means) 11a Chain 11b Sprocket 12 Mounting plate 13 Gap 14 Pre-washing tank 15 Pre-washing pump 16 Front cleaning nozzle 17 Guide plate 17a Loading inlet 17b Unloading outlet 18 Top plate 18a Cleaning opening 19 Side plate 20 Counting unit 21 Second conveying means (conveying means) 22 Housing 22a Loading inlet 22b Unloading outlet 23 Photographing means 24 Sensor 25 Control unit 26 Stacking lamp 27 Baffle plate 28 Flow tube 30 Immersion cleaning section 31 Third conveying means (conveying means) 31a Horizontal conveying section 31b Inclined conveying section 32 Immersion tank 32a Inclined section 33 Immersion pump 34 Immersion nozzle 35 Housing 35a Loading inlet 35b Unloading outlet 40 Main cleaning section 41 Fourth conveying means (conveying means) 42 Main cleaning tank 43 Main cleaning pump 44 First main cleaning nozzle (main cleaning nozzle) 45 Second main cleaning nozzle (main cleaning nozzle) 46 Flow plate 47 Finishing nozzle 48 Housing 48a Loading inlet 48b Unloading outlet 101 Cleaning system 110 Front cleaning section 111 First conveying means (conveying means) 112 Placing plate 113 Protrusion B Cage D Tableware (object to be washed) L Predetermined distance S Space

Claims

1. A pre-washing unit that sprays washing water onto articles to be washed, which are a plurality of articles of the same kind, such as tableware, stacked and stored in a basket, and performs pre-washing of the articles to be washed; A main washing unit that sprays washing water onto the articles to be washed while conveying the basket, and performs separated washing of the articles to be washed by causing the washing water to flow through the gaps between the articles to be washed; Comprising: Arranged in order of the pre-washing unit and the main washing unit from the upstream side in the conveying direction of the basket; A washing system characterized by the above.

2. Comprising an immersion washing unit that performs immersion washing of immersing the articles to be washed in immersion water stored in an immersion tank to moisten the dirt adhering to the articles to be washed; Arranged in order of the pre-washing unit, the immersion washing unit, and the main washing unit from the upstream side in the conveying direction of the basket; The washing system according to claim 1, characterized by the above.

3. Comprising a counting unit that counts the number of articles to be washed stacked and stored in a basket from an image captured by imaging means; Arranged in order of the counting unit, the pre-washing unit, and the main washing unit from the upstream side in the conveying direction of the basket, and performing pre-washing in the pre-washing unit and separated washing in the main washing unit on the articles to be washed for which a predetermined number has been counted by the counting unit; The washing system according to claim 1, characterized by the above.

4. Comprising a counting unit that counts the number of articles to be washed stacked and stored in a basket from an image captured; Arranged in order of the counting unit, the pre-washing unit, the immersion washing unit, and the main washing unit from the upstream side in the conveying direction of the basket, and performing pre-washing in the pre-washing unit, immersion washing in the immersion washing unit, and separated washing in the main washing unit on the articles to be washed for which a predetermined number has been counted by the counting unit; The washing system according to claim 2, characterized by the above.

5. Comprising a counting unit that counts the number of articles to be washed stacked and stored in a basket from an image captured; Arranged in order of the pre-washing unit, the counting unit, and the main washing unit from the upstream side in the conveying direction of the basket, and performing separated washing in the main washing unit on the articles to be washed for which a predetermined number has been counted by the counting unit; The washing system according to claim 1, characterized by the above.

6. Comprising a counting unit that counts the number of articles to be washed stacked and stored in a basket from an image captured; Arranged in order of the pre-washing unit, the counting unit, the immersion washing unit, and the main washing unit from the upstream side in the conveying direction of the basket, and performing immersion washing in the immersion washing unit and separated washing in the main washing unit on the articles to be washed for which a predetermined number has been counted by the counting unit; The washing system according to claim 2, characterized by the above.

7. It is provided with a counting unit that counts the number of objects to be washed stored in a stacked manner in a basket from a photographed image. From the upstream side in the conveyance direction of the basket, a pre-washing unit, an immersion washing unit, the counting unit, and a main washing unit are arranged in this order, and for the objects to be washed for which a predetermined number has been counted by the counting unit, spaced washing is performed in the main washing unit. The washing system according to claim 2, characterized in that.

8. The pre-washing unit has a conveying means for conveying a basket for storing objects to be washed stacked in the stacking direction of the objects to be washed, and a washing nozzle for performing washing of the objects to be washed by spraying washing water from above the basket conveyed by the conveying means. In the pre-washing unit, spaced washing of the objects to be washed is performed by flowing washing water through the gaps between the objects to be washed. The washing system according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that.

9. The temperature of the washing water sprayed by the pre-washing unit is normal temperature or a temperature lower than normal temperature. The washing system according to claim 5 or 6, characterized in that.

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