Drying / cooling device and method of managing mug or glass

Abstract

To provide a drying / cooling device used for cooling a mug or a glass washed by a dish washer prior to placing the same in a mug cooler or in a glass cooler.SOLUTION: The dry-cooling device for drying / cooling mugs or glasses washed by a dish washer prior to placing them in a mug cooler or in a glass cooler, comprises: arrangement means for arranging washed mugs or washed glasses; a flat plate 10 comprising an internal space 13; a flat plate 20 comprising an internal space 23; a connector 30 connecting the flat plate 10 and the flat plate 20 so that the flat plate 10 and the flat plate 20 face each other; an arrangement space 40 formed between the flat plate 10 and the flat plate 20 so that the mugs 5 or the glasses can be arranged therein; air blowing means 33 for feeding air into the internal space 13 of the flat plate; an exhaust port 14 disposed on a face 12 of the flat plate 10 to discharge air to the arrangement space 40; air blowing means 34 for feeding air into the internal space 23 of the flat plate; and an exhaust port 24 disposed on a face 22 of the flat plate 20 to discharge air to the arrangement space 40.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a dry cooling device and a method for managing mugs or glasses using the dry cooling device. [Background technology]

[0002] With the development of refrigerators, it has become common to drink chilled beer and wine. Chilled beer and wine are especially preferred in the summer.

[0003] Therefore, it is preferable to chill beer or wine mugs or glasses beforehand. A cold mug or glass can maintain the flavor of the chilled beer or wine. However, adding ice to the beer or wine to maintain a low temperature is not recommended, as it dilutes the flavor of the beer or wine.

[0004] Meanwhile, in restaurants, used mugs or glasses are washed and reused. Dishwashers (e.g., Patent Document 1) have been developed that can wash a large number of mugs or glasses almost automatically. Mugs or glasses washed in the dishwasher are naturally dried and cooled, and then stored in a mug cooler or glass cooler (e.g., Patent Document 2). When a customer orders beer or wine at a restaurant, the beer or wine is poured into the cooled mug or glass and served to the customer. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2002-017644 [Patent Document 2] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2002-357382 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] For better cleaning efficiency, typical dishwashers use hot water, so the temperature of the mug or glass immediately after washing is about 80°C.

[0007] On the other hand, when storing mugs or glasses in a mug cooler or glass cooler, it is recommended that they be thoroughly dried and that the temperature of the mugs or glasses be kept below about 30°C.

[0008] If moisture remains around the mug or glass, it will form droplets inside the mug cooler or glass cooler, ruining the appearance and impairing the flavor of the beer or wine.

[0009] Furthermore, if a mug or glass is stored in a mug cooler or glass cooler while still hot, the cooling efficiency will decrease significantly.

[0010] Also, if you blow hot air on a mug or glass immediately after washing it will dry it in a short time, but that doesn't solve the temperature issue.

[0011] As a result, the dishes are naturally dried and cooled. According to the applicant's investigation, it takes approximately 30 minutes from washing in the dishwasher to storing them in a mug cooler or glass cooler.

[0012] In restaurants, speeding up the entire process from ordering to serving leads to increased profits, so it is expected that the approximately 30 minutes spent on natural drying and cooling will be halved.

[0013] The present invention is intended to solve the above-mentioned problems and aims to provide a drying and cooling technology that dries and cools mugs or glasses washed in a dishwasher before placing them in a mug cooler or glass cooler. [Means for solving the problem]

[0014] The present invention, which solves the above-mentioned problems, is a drying and cooling device that dries and cools mugs or glasses washed in a dishwasher before placing them in a mug cooler or glass cooler. It includes a placement means for placing the washed mugs or glasses and a blower means for supplying air to the placed mugs or glasses.

[0015] The device of the present invention utilizes the heat of vaporization after hot water cleaning, and exhausts water vapor using air blown by a blower.

[0016] In the above invention, preferably, the device comprises a first flat plate having an internal space, a second flat plate having an internal space, a connecting portion connecting the first flat plate and the second flat plate so that the first flat plate and the second flat plate face each other, an arrangement space formed between the first flat plate and the second flat plate in which the mug or glass can be arranged, a first air blowing means for supplying air into the first flat plate, a first exhaust port provided on the surface of the first flat plate and discharging air into the arrangement space, a second air blowing means for supplying air into the second flat plate, and a second exhaust port provided on the surface of the second flat plate and discharging air into the arrangement space.

[0017] Airflow is supplied to the mug or glass from two directions, expelling water vapor due to the latent heat of evaporation.

[0018] In the above invention, preferably, the mug or glass is arranged in the arrangement space so that an opening of the mug or glass faces the first exhaust port.

[0019] The airflow from the first exhaust port circulates inside the mug or glass, expelling water vapor.

[0020] In the above invention, preferably, the first blowing means supplies air from one end side to the other end side of the first flat plate body, the first exhaust ports are provided in plurality, and the opening area of ​​the upstream exhaust port of the first exhaust ports is larger than the opening area of ​​the downstream exhaust port.

[0021] This creates a uniform flow.

[0022] In the above invention, preferably, the first blowing means supplies a larger amount of air than the second blowing means.

[0023] This ensures that the inside of the mug or glass is dried and cooled.

[0024] In the above invention, preferably, the first blowing means has a longer air supply time than the second blowing means.

[0025] This ensures that the inside of the mug or glass is dried and cooled.

[0026] In the above invention, preferably, an opening ratio is 50% or more in an imaginary plane circumferentially surrounding the direction of exhaust from the first exhaust port.

[0027] The open surface allows evaporated water vapor to escape from the placement space.

[0028] In the above invention, preferably, a plurality of mugs or glasses washed by the dishwasher are stored in a mesh container and placed in the placement space via the mesh container. The drying and cooling device includes a guide for guiding the mesh container.

[0029] This allows the mesh container to be positioned properly. The wire of the mesh container ensures a gap between the mug or glass and the placement surface.

[0030] The present invention, which solves the above-mentioned problems, is a method for managing mugs or glasses. The mugs or glasses are washed using a dishwasher, dried and cooled using the above-mentioned drying and cooling device, and then cooled and stored using a mug cooler or glass cooler.

[0031] This will speed up the turnover of beer or wine served. [Effects of the Invention]

[0032] According to the present drying and cooling technology, mugs or glasses washed in a dishwasher are dried and cooled before being placed in a mug cooler or glass cooler.

[0033] This reduces the time required for natural drying and cooling by approximately half, resulting in faster turnover of beer or wine. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0034] [Figure 1] Schematic image of how to manage mugs or glasses using the device of the present invention [Figure 2] An illustration of a mesh container that can hold multiple mugs or glasses [Figure 3] External configuration diagram of the device of the present invention [Figure 4] Exploded view of the device [Figure 5] Crossflow fan external configuration diagram [Figure 6] External configuration diagram of the exhaust port of the present invention [Figure 7] Operational diagram of the device of the present application [Figure 8] Explanatory diagram regarding the opening rate [Figure 9] Schematic diagram of a modified example of the present application DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0035] ~Outline of process~ Figure 1 is a schematic image of how to manage mugs. Figure 2 is an image of a mesh container that can hold multiple mugs. We will explain the series of steps to cool beer mugs after washing them. The same applies to wine glasses.

[0036] A plurality of used mugs are stored in the mesh container 1. The mesh container 1 is formed in a mesh shape using a plurality of wires, and preferably has an opening rate of 80% or more, and more preferably an opening rate of 90% or more.

[0037] The mugs placed in the mesh container 1 are washed with hot water in the dishwasher 2. Due to the high opening ratio, the wire material of the mesh container 1 does not hinder the movement of hot water. The temperature of the mugs immediately after washing is about 80°C.

[0038] The mug is removed from the dishwasher 2 while still contained in the mesh container 1, and the mesh container 1 is placed in the drying and cooling device 3 of the present invention, and air is supplied. Due to the high opening ratio, the wire material of the mesh container 1 does not hinder the movement of air. In about 10 to 15 minutes, any water droplets remaining in the mug disappear, and the temperature of the mug drops to about 30°C.

[0039] The mugs are placed in the mug cooler while still contained in the mesh container 1. The mugs are cooled to 5°C or below. When a customer orders beer at a restaurant, the mugs are taken out of the mug cooler, and the beer is poured into the cooled mugs and served to the customer.

[0040] The drying and cooling device 3 of the present invention can be installed in a location where the mesh container 1 was left for conventional natural drying and cooling (for example, on the top of a dishwasher). In other words, the drying and cooling device 3 of the present invention can be applied even if there are restrictions on store space.

[0041] ~Device configuration and operation~ Fig. 3 is an external configuration diagram of the drying and cooling device 3 of the present invention. Fig. 4 is an exploded configuration diagram of the drying and cooling device 3 of the present invention.

[0042] The drying and cooling device 3 includes a flat plate body 10, a flat plate body 20, a connecting portion 30, and an arrangement space 40.

[0043] The flat plate body 10 is made up of a flat plate body main body 11 and an exhaust port panel 12. The flat plate body main body 11 has a bottom and four side surfaces. The exhaust port panel 12 is provided to correspond to the top opening of the flat plate body main body 11. This creates an internal space 13 between the flat plate body main body 11 and the exhaust port panel 12, forming a flat plate-shaped flat plate body 10. The exhaust port panel 12 has multiple exhaust ports 14.

[0044] The flat plate body 20 is made up of a flat plate body main body 21 and an exhaust port panel 22. The flat plate body main body 21 has a top surface and four side surfaces. The exhaust port panel 22 is provided to correspond to the opening on the bottom surface of the flat plate body main body 21. This creates an internal space 23 between the flat plate body main body 21 and the exhaust port panel 22, forming the flat plate body 20. The exhaust port panel 22 has a plurality of exhaust ports 24.

[0045] The flat plate body 10 and the flat plate body 20 are arranged so that the air outlet panel 12 and the air outlet panel 22 face each other, and the connecting part 30 connects the facing flat plate body 10 and the flat plate body 20. In other words, the connecting part 30 stands upright from one end of the flat plate body 10, and supports one end of the flat plate body 20 at its top.

[0046] By connecting the flat plate members 10 and 20 and the connecting portion 30, the side surfaces of the flat plate members 10 and 20 are formed in a substantially C-shaped configuration. Between the flat plate members 10 and 20, an arrangement space 40 is formed in which a mesh container 1 containing a mug can be arranged.

[0047] The connecting portion 30 is made up of a connecting portion panel 31 and a connecting portion panel 32. The connecting portion 30 is formed by joining the connecting portion panel 31 and the connecting portion panel 32 so that they face each other.

[0048] A cross-flow fan 33 is provided at the lower interior of the connecting portion 30. The lower interior of the connecting portion 30 and the flat plate body internal space 13 are in communication via the internal space inlet 15. The cross-flow fan 33 supplies air to the flat plate body internal space 13 via the internal space inlet 15. The exhaust port 14 discharges the air in the flat plate body internal space 13 to the arrangement space 40 side.

[0049] FIG. 5 is an external configuration diagram of the crossflow fan 33. The crossflow fan 33 is axially long and cylindrical. A plurality of axially long blades are provided on the circumferential surface. When the crossflow fan rotates, a flow is formed that flows through the interior. The air flow is layered along the shape of the flat-plate internal space 13.

[0050] 6 is an external configuration diagram of the exhaust port 14. A plurality of exhaust ports 14 are provided in the axial direction and in the flow direction in the exhaust port panel 12. The opening area of ​​the upstream exhaust port is larger than the opening area of ​​the downstream exhaust port.

[0051] Figure 7 is an explanatory diagram of the operation of the drying and cooling device 3 of the present invention. The flat plate body internal space 13 is closed except for the exhaust port 14 and the internal space inlet 15. Therefore, the pressure increases toward the downstream side. As a result, a uniform upward flow is formed from the exhaust port 14.

[0052] A cross-flow fan 34 is provided at the upper interior of the connecting portion 30. The upper interior of the connecting portion 30 and the flat plate body internal space 23 are in communication via an internal space inlet 25. The cross-flow fan 34 supplies air to the flat plate body internal space 23 via the internal space inlet 25. The exhaust port 24 discharges the air in the flat plate body internal space 23 to the arrangement space 40 side.

[0053] The airflow caused by the crossflow fan 34 is layered along the shape of the flat-plate internal space 23. Multiple exhaust ports 24 are provided in the exhaust port panel 32 in the axial direction and multiple ports in the flow direction. The opening area of ​​the upstream exhaust port is larger than the opening area of ​​the downstream exhaust port. The pressure increases toward the downstream side in the flat-plate internal space 23. As a result, a uniform downward flow is formed from the exhaust port 24 (not shown).

[0054] A filter 35 is provided on the connecting panel 32. The cross flow fans 33 and 34 suck in air from the room through the filter 35.

[0055] The jug 5 is placed in the mesh container 1 with the opening facing downwards, and the mesh container 1 is placed in the placement space 40.

[0056] Guides 16, 16 for guiding the mesh container 1 are provided on both ends of the exhaust port panel 12. This allows the mesh container 1 to be positioned in the correct position.

[0057] A portion of the upward flow from exhaust port 14 flows into the mug 5 through the opening, circulates inside the mug, and flows out through the gaps in the wire of the mesh container 1. The remainder of the upward flow from exhaust port 14 rises along the outer side surface of mug 5.

[0058] A part of the downward flow from exhaust port 24 hits the bottom surface of mug 5 and continues to descend along the exterior side surface of mug 5. The remainder of the downward flow from exhaust port 24 descends along the exterior side surface of mug 5.

[0059] Immediately after cleaning, the temperature of mug 5 is about 80°C, and water droplets are attached to it. The high temperature of mug 5 is transmitted to the water droplets, which turn into steam. At this time, heat of vaporization is generated, which takes away the temperature of mug 5. The temperature of mug 5 drops.

[0060] FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram of the openness ratio. The double black circle in the figure indicates the upward flow from the exhaust port 14. The downward flow from the exhaust port 24 is not shown. A virtual surface is formed surrounding the multiple upward and downward flows. Of the four sides of the arrangement space 40, three sides other than the connecting portion 30 are open. Therefore, the openness ratio in the figure is 75%. It is preferable that the openness ratio is 50% or more. If the openness ratio is less than 50%, water vapor will remain in the arrangement space 40, and the effect of the present invention will not be fully obtained.

[0061] The ascending and descending flows, containing water vapor, meet at a midpoint and are discharged from an open surface.

[0062] By discharging the water vapor to the outside, the degree of saturation in the arrangement space 40 decreases, making it easier for the water vapor to evaporate. This generates new heat of vaporization, further reducing the temperature of the mug 5.

[0063] As a result, the drying and cooling device 3 of the present invention removes water droplets adhering to the mug 5 and reduces the temperature of the mug to about 30°C.

[0064] ~Consideration~ This application is characterized by utilizing the latent heat of vaporization. Here, blowing hot air can remove water droplets, but the temperature of the mug does not decrease. Conversely, blowing cold air will lower the mug temperature, but the saturation temperature will also decrease, making it impossible to fully utilize the latent heat of vaporization. There is also a risk that water droplets will remain.

[0065] Therefore, in this application, it is important to gradually lower the temperature by using the heat of vaporization and remove moisture. In this application, air at room temperature (around 20°C) is supplied via cross-flow fans 33 and 34 to form gentle upward and downward currents. This allows drying and cooling to interact in a balanced manner, repeating the operation.

[0066] ~Variations~ Variation 1 In the above embodiment, the relationship between the ascending flow and the descending flow is not limited. However, water droplets tend to remain inside the mug 5 compared to outside the mug 5. Therefore, the ascending flow from the exhaust port 14 may be set to have a larger flow rate than the descending flow from the exhaust port 24.

[0067] For example, the cross-flow fans 33, 34 may have different outputs. The cross-flow fans 33, 34 may be controllable, and their output settings may be changed. The cross-flow fans 33, 34 may be provided with timers, and the air supply times may be different.

[0068] Variation 2 In the above embodiment, the flat plate members 10 and 20 are arranged vertically in parallel, but they may also be arranged horizontally in parallel.

[0069] In the above embodiment, an upward flow is supplied from the flat plate body 10 and a downward flow is supplied from the flat plate body 20, but it is sufficient if at least an upward flow can be supplied from the flat plate body 10.

[0070] Variation 3 Figure 9 is a configuration diagram of a modified example. The left figure is a cross-sectional view, and the right figure is a plan view. In the above embodiment, a cross-flow fan was used as the air blowing means, but propeller fans are provided below the flat plate body 10 and above the flat plate body 20. However, although an upward flow is supplied from the flat plate body 10 and a downward flow is supplied from the flat plate body 20, the above embodiment is advantageous in terms of uniformity.

[0071] Variation 4 In the above embodiment, a uniform flow is achieved by adjusting the opening area of ​​the exhaust ports 14, 24. However, the upstream cross-sectional area of ​​the internal spaces 13, 23 may be larger than the downstream cross-sectional area.

[0072] This results in uniform pressure within the internal spaces 13 and 23. If the opening areas of the exhaust ports 14 and 24 are uniform, uniform upward flow and uniform downward flow are supplied. [Explanation of symbols]

[0073] 1 dishwasher 2 Drying cooler 3. Mug Cooler 4. Mesh container 5 mugs 10 flat plate 11 Flat plate body 12 Exhaust panel 13 Interior Space 14 Exhaust port 15 Inner Space Entrance 16 Mesh container guide 20 flat plate 21 Flat plate body 22 Exhaust panel 23 Interior Space 24 exhaust port 25 Inner Space Entrance 30 Connecting part 31 Connection panel 32 Connection panel 33 Crossflow fan 34 Crossflow fan 35 filters 40 Placement space

Claims

1. A drying and cooling device for drying and cooling mugs or glasses washed by a dishwasher before placing them in a mug cooler or glass cooler, a placement means for placing the washed mugs or glasses; A blower that supplies air to the mug or glass placed in it A drying and cooling device comprising:

2. a first flat plate having an internal space; a second flat plate having an internal space; a connecting portion that connects the first flat plate body and the second flat plate body so that the first flat plate body and the second flat plate body face each other; an arrangement space formed between the first flat plate and the second flat plate, in which the mug or glass can be arranged; a first blowing means for supplying air into the first flat plate; a first exhaust port provided on a surface of the first flat plate body and configured to exhaust air into the arrangement space; a second blowing means for supplying air into the second flat plate; a second exhaust port provided on a surface of the second flat plate body and configured to exhaust air into the arrangement space; 2. The drying and cooling device according to claim 1, further comprising:

3. In the arrangement space, the opening of the mug or glass is arranged to face the first exhaust port.

3. The drying and cooling device according to claim 2.

4. the first blowing means supplies air from one end side to the other end side of the first flat plate body, The first exhaust port is provided in plurality, and among the first exhaust ports, The opening area of ​​the upstream exhaust port is larger than that of the downstream exhaust port 3. The drying and cooling device according to claim 2.

5. The first blower means supplies a larger amount of air than the second blower means.

4. The drying and cooling device according to claim 3.

6. The first blower has a longer air supply time than the second blower.

4. The drying and cooling device according to claim 3.

7. An opening ratio of 50% or more is provided on an imaginary surface surrounding the exhaust direction from the first exhaust port.

4. The drying and cooling device according to claim 3.

8. A plurality of mugs or glasses washed by the dishwasher are stored in a mesh container and placed in the placement space via the mesh container, A guide for guiding the mesh container is provided.

3. The drying and cooling device according to claim 2.

9. Use the dishwasher to wash the mug or glass. The mug or glass is dried and cooled using the drying and cooling device according to claim 1, The mug or glass is kept cool using a mug cooler or glass cooler. A method for managing a mug or glass, comprising:

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