Precleaning treatment apparatus and dishwashing system

Abstract

To provide a precleaning treatment apparatus and a dishwashing system capable of enhancing the efficiency of a washing operation while satisfying a required dish washing effect.SOLUTION: Provided is a precleaning treatment apparatus 30 for executing a predetermined pretreatment to dishes D before they are put into a dishwasher 14. In particular, the cleaning pretreatment device 30 includes a placement unit 31 on which the dishes D are placed, a supply unit (32, 33, 36) that supplies a treatment liquid for floating dirt of the dishes D, and a pretreatment unit (34, 35) that applies the treatment liquid to the dishes D placed on the placement unit 31.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a pre-cleaning treatment device and a cleaning system including the pre-cleaning treatment device. [Background technology]

[0002] In the past, in restaurants and other establishments that serve food and drink, used tableware is typically collected by employees after customers have finished eating at each table, and then placed in a dishwasher (see Patent Document 1) for cleaning. However, depending on the type of food ingredients placed on the tableware, simply washing the tableware in the dishwasher may not be enough to remove all the dirt. For this reason, the collected tableware is manually pre-washed before being placed in the dishwasher.

[0003] On the other hand, during busy times (such as peak hours) when the store is busy, there may not be enough manpower to pre-wash the dishes, so the dishes that have been brought to the washing area may be temporarily piled up in a designated area.

[0004] 5 is a diagram illustrating the layout of a washing area 100 in an existing store. As shown in the figure, the washing area 100 includes a soiled table 110, a sink 120, a dishwasher 130, and clean tables 140 and 150.

[0005] In the illustrated washing area 100, the following operation (hereinafter referred to as the "washing operation") is performed, particularly during busy times in the store, when there are many dishes to wash and there is a shortage of manpower. First, the dishes brought into the washing area 100 are sorted by hand according to the degree of soiling and the difficulty of removing the soiling, and are piled up on the soiled table 110. Furthermore, dishes that are particularly heavily soiled or that will become difficult to remove when dried are immersed in water stored in the sink 120 and piled up there. Thereafter, when there is more manpower, such as when the store is less crowded, employees pre-wash the dishes piled up on the soiled table 110 and sink 120 and place them in the dishwasher 130. Then, after the dishes have been washed by the dishwasher 130, they are sorted by employees and placed on the clean tables 140, 150. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0006] [Patent Document 1] JP 2014-57733 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0007] However, in the washing operation described above, since the large amount of dishes accumulated after the peak time period has passed must be pre-washed by hand, it takes a long time for the collected dishes to be washed and ready for use again. Also, two manual sorting operations are required: sorting the dishes brought into the washing area 100 and sorting the dishes that have been washed by the dishwasher. Furthermore, if the peak time period continues for a long time, dishes that have not yet been washed may become difficult to remove stains from, requiring further washing, which can be a hassle. Furthermore, when employees pre-wash, they are required to wear special gloves for hygiene reasons. Therefore, if a worker is performing both pre-washing and other tasks, they must take the time to change gloves each time.

[0008] As described above, existing washing operations involve laborious tasks performed by multiple people, and especially during busy times when employees have many other tasks to do besides washing dishes, the process from collecting the dishes to completing the washing process takes a lot of time, resulting in a problem of reduced efficiency in the washing operation.

[0009] In view of the above circumstances, an object of the present invention is to provide a pre-washing treatment device and a dishwashing system that can improve the efficiency of the washing operation while still achieving the required washing effect for dishes. [Means for solving the problem]

[0010] According to one aspect of the present invention, there is provided a pre-washing treatment device for performing a predetermined pre-treatment on tableware before it is loaded into a dishwasher. This pre-washing treatment device includes a mounting section for mounting the tableware to be washed, a supply section for supplying a treatment liquid to loosen dirt from the tableware, and a pre-treatment section for applying the treatment liquid to the tableware mounted on the mounting section. [Effects of the Invention]

[0011] According to this aspect, it is possible to obtain the desired washing effect on the tableware after washing in the dishwasher while omitting manual pre-washing, thereby improving the efficiency of the washing operation while still achieving the required washing effect on the tableware. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0012] [Figure 1] 1 is a diagram illustrating the layout of a washing area to which the dishwashing system of the present embodiment is applied. [Figure 2] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating the configuration of a dishwashing system. [Figure 3] 1 is a diagram showing the configuration of a dishwasher and an associated hot water supply utilization system. [Figure 4]FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a cleaning operation flow during busy hours in a store. [Figure 5] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating the layout of washing areas in an existing store. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0013] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention (hereinafter referred to as the present embodiment) will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0014] (Washing area layout) FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating the layout of a washing area 10 to which the configuration of this embodiment is applied. The washing area 10 of this embodiment is defined as a place in a store (hereinafter simply referred to as a "store") that provides food and drink services, equipped with equipment for washing tableware D collected from the table of a customer (hereinafter referred to as a "customer") who receives the service after the customer has finished eating and drinking. The term "tableware" is used as a comprehensive concept to include plates, cups, glasses, etc. used when serving food and drink to customers, cooking utensils used by store employees to prepare food and drink, and other items used for providing services in the store, which are washed by a dishwasher 14, which will be described later.

[0015] As shown in FIG. 1, washing area 10 is arranged with soiled table 12, sink 13, dishwasher 14, and clean tables 15, 16, 16, similar to the existing washing area 100 shown in FIG. 5. Note that the symbol "R" in FIG. 1 indicates an area where store employees enter to sort dishes D after washing by dishwasher 14 is completed. Hereinafter, this area will be referred to as the "washing work area R." In particular, in this embodiment, a dishwashing system 20, which will be described later, is applied to this washing work area R.

[0016] (Dishwashing system configuration) 2 is a diagram showing the configuration of the dishwashing system 20. As shown in the figure, the dishwashing system 20 of this embodiment is mainly composed of a washing pre-treatment device 30 that performs pre-treatment to loosen dirt from the dishes D before the dishes are placed in the dishwasher 40, and the dishwasher 40 that automatically (without manual washing) washes the dishes D after the pre-treatment.

[0017] The cleaning pre-treatment device 30 includes a rack 31, an electrolytic water generator 32, an electrolytic water tank 33, a first nozzle 34, a second nozzle 35, a pump 36, a first manual valve 37, a second manual valve 38, a first photoelectric sensor 61, a second photoelectric sensor 62, and a pre-treatment controller 65.

[0018] The rack 31 functions as a placement section for placing the tableware D to be washed. That is, the rack 31 is used to place the tableware D, including dishes that the staff has collected (bashed) from customers' tables. In particular, the rack 31 has a placement surface 31a for the tableware D formed in a mesh shape. This allows the alkaline ionized water sprayed from the second nozzle 35, which will be described later, to pass through the placement surface 31a and reach the tableware D.

[0019] The electrolyzed water generator 32 is a device that generates alkaline ionized water. More specifically, the electrolyzed water generator 32 has, for example, a water tank divided into an anode-side electrolysis chamber and a cathode-side electrolysis chamber via a diaphragm. Furthermore, the anode-side electrolysis chamber and the cathode-side electrolysis chamber are configured to receive water from a water source such as tap water. Furthermore, the electrolyzed water generator 32 is equipped with a device for applying a voltage to the water tank. By applying this voltage, strongly acidic electrolyzed water is generated in the anode-side electrolysis chamber, and strongly alkaline electrolyzed water is generated in the cathode-side electrolysis chamber. In this embodiment, the strongly alkaline electrolyzed water, preferably with a pH of 12.5 or higher, generated in the electrolyzed water generator 32 is supplied to the electrolyzed water tank 33 as alkaline ionized water.

[0020] The electrolyzed water tank 33 stores the alkaline ionized water generated by the electrolyzed water generator 32. The alkaline ionized water stored in the electrolyzed water tank 33 is supplied to the first nozzle 34, the second nozzle 35, and the electrolyzed water sink 13a for iron plates and the electrolyzed water sink 80 for cutlery, which will be described later.

[0021] The first nozzle 34 and the second nozzle 35 function as spraying devices for spraying alkaline ionized water stored in the electrolyzed water tank 33 onto the tableware D placed on the rack 31. In particular, the first nozzle 34 in this embodiment is configured as one or more nozzles (two nozzles in FIG. 2 ) arranged above the rack 31 with its spray nozzle facing the rack 31. On the other hand, the second nozzle 35 is configured as one or more nozzles (one nozzle in FIG. 2 ) arranged below the rack 31 with its spray nozzle facing the rack 31. With this configuration, by activating (opening) the first nozzle 34, alkaline ionized water is sprayed from above the tableware D placed on the rack 31. Furthermore, by activating (opening) the second nozzle 35, alkaline ionized water is sprayed from below the tableware D placed on the rack 31. Therefore, by opening both the first nozzle 34 and the second nozzle 35, alkaline ion electrolyzed water is sprayed onto the tableware D from above and below, thereby further improving the effect of the alkaline ion electrolyzed water in lifting dirt from the tableware D.

[0022] The pump 36 is driven based on a predetermined set output and functions as an actuator for adjusting the amount of alkaline ionized water supplied from the electrolytic water tank 33 to each section.

[0023] The first manual valve 37 is a manually operated valve for switching between supplying and not supplying alkaline electrolyzed water from the electrolyzed water tank 33 to the electrolyzed water sink 13a for iron plates. In particular, the first manual valve 37 is opened and closed as appropriate by a store employee or the like.

[0024] Here, the electrolyzed water sink for iron plates 13a is a tank for soaking hard-to-clean iron plates separately from the tableware D to be washed, and is configured as a part of the sink 13. In particular, as described above, alkaline ionized water is supplied to the electrolyzed water sink for iron plates 13a as needed from the electrolyzed water tank 33 via the first manual valve 37, so that hard-to-clean iron plates can be soaked in alkaline ionized water in the electrolyzed water sink for iron plates 13a before being placed in the dishwasher 40.

[0025] The second manual valve 38 is a manually operated valve for switching between supplying and not supplying alkaline electrolyzed water from the electrolyzed water tank 33 to the electrolyzed water sink for cutlery 80. In particular, the second manual valve 38 is opened and closed as appropriate by store employees, etc.

[0026] Here, the electrolyzed water sink for cutlery 80 is a tank for soaking hard-to-clean cutlery (knives, forks, spoons, etc.) separately from the tableware D to be washed, and is placed in a location separate from the sink 13 within the washing area R (in FIG. 2, near the second photoelectric sensor 62 on the soiled table 12). In particular, as described above, alkaline ionized water is supplied to the electrolyzed water sink for cutlery 80 as needed from the electrolyzed water tank 33 via the second manual valve 38, so that by soaking hard-to-clean cutlery in alkaline ionized water in the electrolyzed water sink for cutlery 80, the cleaning effect by the dishwasher 40 can be further improved later.

[0027] The first photoelectric sensor 61 is composed of a pair of a light-emitting element and a light-receiving element respectively arranged at the end of the soiled table 12 adjacent to the sink 13 and at the end of the clean tables 15, 16 adjacent to the sink 13 (see FIG. 1). The second photoelectric sensor 62 is composed of a pair of a light-emitting element and a light-receiving element respectively arranged on the soiled table 12 outside the first photoelectric sensor 61 (in the direction away from the sink 13) and on the clean tables 15, 16 outside the first photoelectric sensor 61 (in the direction away from the sink 13).

[0028] With this configuration of the first photoelectric sensor 61 and the second photoelectric sensor 62, when an employee in the cleaning work area R leaves the cleaning work area R, light L1 generated by the light-emitting element and received by the light-receiving element of the first photoelectric sensor 61 is blocked, and then light L2 generated by the light-emitting element and received by the light-receiving element of the second photoelectric sensor 62 is blocked. That is, after a signal indicating that light L1 has been blocked (hereinafter referred to as a "first light-blocking signal S1") is output by the first photoelectric sensor 61, a signal indicating that light L2 has been blocked (hereinafter referred to as a "second light-blocking signal S2") is output by the second photoelectric sensor 62.

[0029] On the other hand, when an employee enters the cleaning work area R from outside, light L2 is blocked first, and then light L1 is blocked. That is, the second light blocking signal S2 is output, and then the first light blocking signal S1 is output.

[0030] The pre-processing controller 65 is configured as a computer that references various input information and controls the operations of the first nozzle 34, the second nozzle 35, and the pump 36. More specifically, when the pre-processing controller 65 detects a predetermined command (such as a switch operation), it activates the pump 36 and adjusts its output to the above-mentioned set output.

[0031] Furthermore, the pre-processing controller 65 controls the first nozzle 34 and the second nozzle 35 by referring to the first light-blocking signal S1 output from the first photoelectric sensor 61 and the second light-blocking signal S2 output from the second photoelectric sensor 62.

[0032] In particular, the pre-processing controller 65 receives the first light-blocking signal S1 and determines whether the first light-blocking signal S1 is blocked by the first light-blocking signal S1 after a predetermined first determination time Δt d1 If the second light blocking signal S2 is received within the predetermined time, the predetermined number of sprays (hereinafter referred to as the "predetermined number of sprays N j The first nozzle 34 and the second nozzle 35 are opened for a predetermined number of sprays N jis the total amount of alkaline ionized water sprayed in one pretreatment (hereinafter referred to as the "target spray amount N t The target injection amount N t is set to an appropriate value in consideration of the balance between the cleaning effect after washing by the dishwasher 40 and the amount of alkaline ionized water used (amount of electrolyzed water consumed). j and / or target injection amount N t may be a variable value.

[0033] The second light-blocking signal S2 is received, and a predetermined second determination time Δt d2 If the first light blocking signal S1 is received within the specified number of sprays, the number of sprays will be equal to the specified number of sprays N. j , the control logic may be adopted to stop spraying by the first nozzle 34 and the second nozzle 35 even if the specified number of sprays N has not been reached. j Even if the above condition has not been reached, spraying of alkaline ionized water can be stopped.

[0034] Returning to Figure 2, the dishwasher 40 is a device that is activated, for example, in response to the operation of a specified switch by a store employee or the like, and automatically washes tableware D that has undergone pre-treatment (spraying alkaline ionized water) and has been transferred from the rack 31 of the pre-washing treatment device 30 to an internal storage shelf 41.

[0035] 3 is a diagram showing the configuration of dishwasher 40 and associated hot water supply utilization system 70. Dishwasher 40 is equipped with various components for performing a washing process and a subsequent rinsing process on tableware D stored in storage shelves 41 inside.

[0036] More specifically, in the washing process, washing water in washing tank 42 is supplied to washing nozzle 44 via supply pipe 43 by driving a washing pump (not shown), and is sprayed onto tableware D stored on storage shelf 41. The sprayed washing water falls into washing tank 42.

[0037] In the rinsing process, a rinsing pump (not shown) installed inside dishwasher 40 is driven, and rinsing water is supplied from booster tank 50a in booster 50 installed outside dishwasher 40 to rinsing nozzle 45 via supply pipe 51. As a result, the rinsing water sprayed from rinsing nozzle 45 rinses and cleans tableware D stored on storage shelf 41. The sprayed rinsing water falls into washing tank 42 and is stored therein.

[0038] Furthermore, in this embodiment, dishwasher 40 is equipped with hot water utilization system 70 for supplying hot water from a water heater (not shown) installed in the store. Hot water utilization system 70 mainly includes water heater connection part 71, first hot water supply pipe 72, second hot water supply pipe 73, electromagnetic valve 74, and hot water supply controller 75.

[0039] The water heater connection part 71 is composed of various fluid control elements (such as valves and pumps) for flowing hot water from the water heater to the first hot water supply pipe 72 and the second hot water supply pipe 73. The first hot water supply pipe 72 is configured as a pipe having one end connected to the water heater connection part 71 and the other end connected to the cleaning tank 42. The second hot water supply pipe 73 is configured as a pipe having one end connected to the water heater connection part 71 and the other end connected to the booster tank 50a. Note that, as shown in FIG. 3, in the hot water utilization system 70, hot water from the water heater may be supplied to the booster tank 50a as needed via the second hot water supply pipe 73 connected to the booster tank 50a in the booster 50.

[0040] Electromagnetic valve 74 is provided in first hot water supply pipe 72 and is a valve for controlling the amount of hot water supplied into cleaning tank 42 via first hot water supply pipe 72. Hot water supply controller 75 is configured as a computer that controls the opening degree of electromagnetic valve 74 based on predetermined input information.

[0041] In particular, the hot water supply controller 75 sets a wash execution flag f that indicates whether or not the dishwasher 40 is currently performing a wash (a series of processes including the wash step and the subsequent rinsing step). w and information indicating how many times the washing process has been performed by the dishwasher 40 (hereinafter referred to as "washing count N w The opening degree of the electromagnetic valve 74 is controlled by referring to the control circuit 74.

[0042] Here, the hot water supply controller 75 sets the cleaning execution flag f w and number of washes N w can be acquired by communication from a control device (not shown) that controls the operation of the dishwasher 40. In particular, when the hot water supply controller 75 receives a signal from the control device indicating that washing of the dishwasher 40 has started, the hot water supply controller 75 sets a washing execution flag f w On (f w = 1), and when a signal indicating that cleaning is complete is received, the cleaning execution flag f w Off (f w =0).

[0043] When the hot water supply controller 75 receives a signal from the control device indicating that washing has started in the dishwasher 40, the hot water supply controller 75 counts the number of washings N stored in the internal memory. w In this way, the internal memory of the hot water supply controller 75 stores the number of washing times N w Furthermore, when the hot water supply controller 75 executes a process for replacing the cleaning water in the cleaning tank 42 (opening the electromagnetic valve 74), the value of the number of cleanings N recorded is added to the value of the number of cleanings N. w Thereafter, the hot water supply controller 75 again resets the value of the number of washing times N to zero every time it receives a signal from the control device indicating that washing by the dishwasher 40 has started. w Increment the value of by one.

[0044] Furthermore, the hot water supply controller 75 determines the number of washings N w The threshold number of cleaning times N is predetermined. thand cleaning is not currently being performed (cleaning execution flag f w = 0), it adjusts electromagnetic valve 74 to a predetermined opening degree and replaces the wash water in wash tank 42. At this time, the control device that controls the operation of dishwasher 40 first executes a process to drain the wash water in wash tank 42 (such as opening a drain valve provided in wash tank 42). Then, hot water supply controller 75 keeps electromagnetic valve 74 open for a period of time until a desired amount of wash water has accumulated in wash tank 42, and then closes electromagnetic valve 74.

[0045] This allows the wash water in the wash tank 42 to be replaced with hot water supplied from the water heater as needed during periods when dishwashing is not being performed by the dishwasher 40. Therefore, the wash water in the wash tank 42 is replaced periodically, thereby maintaining cleanliness.

[0046] The functions of the control device for controlling the operation of the dishwasher 40 and the hot water supply controller 75 may be integrated into a single integrated control device (computer). In this case, the integrated control device may calculate the washing execution flag f w Generation and washing times N w The calculation is performed, and these are compared with the threshold cleaning count N stored in the internal memory in advance. th Depending on the result of the comparison, the cleaning water in the cleaning tank 42 can be replaced (drained and hot water supplied).

[0047] As will be described later, in this embodiment, it is assumed that the tableware D processed by the pre-washing treatment device 30 will be loaded into the dishwasher 40 without manual pre-washing. More specifically, it is assumed that the tableware D before being loaded into the dishwasher 40 will only be subjected to pre-treatment in which alkaline ionized water is sprayed on the tableware D to loosen the dirt (such as adhering food ingredients), and that the pre-treated tableware D will be washed directly by the dishwasher 40 without pre-washing. Therefore, unlike when tableware D is pre-washed manually, the dishwasher 40 will wash the tableware D with dirt still adhering to it. Therefore, when washing in the dishwasher 40, more dirt (such as adhering food ingredients) will fall into the washing tank 42 than when the tableware has been pre-washed manually, and it is assumed that the wash water in the washing tank 42 will become more likely to become dirty.

[0048] In contrast, by providing the above-described hot water utilization system 70 in the dishwasher 40, the wash water in the wash tank 42 can be replaced as needed with hot water supplied from the water heater. Therefore, even when dishwasher 40 is used to wash tableware D that has only been pre-treated by the pre-wash treatment device 30 and has not been pre-washed manually, the wash water in the wash tank 42 can be kept clean.

[0049] (Example of cleaning operation) A specific example of the washing operation in the dish washing area 10 in which the dish washing system 20 is employed will be described below.

[0050] An example of a washing operation flow during busy hours in a store is shown in Figure 4. In the following, when specifying the order in which tableware D to be washed undergoes the washing operation, the subscript "m" (m = 1, 2, etc.) indicating the order is used as appropriate.

[0051] As shown in the figure, first, an employee (referred to as "floor staff A") removes tableware D from the table. mIn the example of FIG. 4, the tableware D that was brought in before is collected in the dishwasher 40 at this time and carried into the washing work area R (step S10). m-1 The washing of tableware D is being carried out (step U10). m The wafer is then placed as is on the rack 31 of the pre-cleaning treatment device 30 (step S20).

[0052] Furthermore, floor staff A washes dishes D in dishwasher 40. m-1 When it is confirmed that the washing of the tableware D is completed, m-1 The dishwasher 40 moves the washed dishes from the storage shelf 41 to the clean tables 15, 16 and performs the sorting operation (step S30). At the same time, the dishwasher 40 concurrently determines whether or not to replace the wash water in the wash tank 42 with hot water (step U20). If it is determined that the wash water needs to be replaced, the wash water is replaced with hot water supplied from the water heater (Yes in step U20 and step U30). On the other hand, if it is determined that the wash water does not need to be replaced (No in step U20), the dishwasher 40 enters a standby state.

[0053] On the other hand, floor staff A is serving tableware D. m-1 After completing the sorting work, the floor staff A leaves the cleaning work area R (step S40). As a result, the pre-processing controller 65 detects the first light-blocking signal S1 and the second light-blocking signal S2 in this order, and pre-processing (spraying alkaline ionized water) is performed (step T10). Note that, since the pre-processing is performed without manual intervention, the floor staff A can engage in other work (such as serving food to customers) other than the work in the washing area 10.

[0054] Then, once the pre-processing is complete, floor staff A (or another employee) enters the cleaning work area R (step S50). As described above, if the pre-processing controller 65 is configured to block the first nozzle 34 and the second nozzle 35 (to stop spraying alkaline ionized water) when it detects the second light blocking signal S2 and the first light blocking signal S1 in that order, the number of sprays will be equal to or greater than the specified number of sprays N at the time floor staff A enters the cleaning work area R. j Even if the temperature does not reach this level, spraying of alkaline ionized water will stop.

[0055] Furthermore, the floor staff A who entered the washing work area R, m 2, by configuring the layout such that the rack 31 of the pre-washing treatment device 30 and the storage shelf 41 of the dishwasher 40 are adjacent to each other and at the same height, the tableware D from the rack 31 to the storage shelf 41 can be easily transferred. m The movement of the dishes D can be performed by a simple operation of sliding or slightly lifting them, which reduces the work time of the floor staff A. After that, when the floor staff A turns on the dishwasher 40, the dishes D m The cleaning is carried out (step U40).

[0056] The above series of processes are carried out as follows for tableware D m+1 ,D m+2 By executing the same process for the tableware D, the tableware D that is repeatedly brought to the washing area 10 when the store is busy can be handled. m ,D m+1 ,D m+2 In particular, the washing of tableware D, which has had dirt lifted by pre-treatment, can be carried out sequentially. m By omitting manual pre-washing and directly putting the dishes into the dishwasher 40, the desired washing effect can be achieved, and the dishes D can be washed efficiently even during busy hours when there is limited manpower. m ,D m+1 ,D m+2 ··· can be cleaned (improving the efficiency of cleaning operations).

[0057] Furthermore, by improving the efficiency of the washing operation in this way, it is possible to avoid a situation where a large amount of unwashed tableware D accumulates on the soiled table 12 or the sink 13, and to prevent a situation where there are not enough dishes when serving food to customers. Furthermore, by preventing the accumulation of tableware D in this way, it is possible to reduce the space on the soiled table 12 or the sink 13 that was previously reserved to accommodate this accumulation. Therefore, it is possible to realize a layout of the washing area 10 (see FIG. 1) in which the soiled table 12 and the sink 13 are more space-saving (compact) than the existing washing area 100 (see FIG. 5).

[0058] Furthermore, in the case of the pre-cleaning treatment device 30 of this embodiment, the target spray amount N is set in consideration of the balance between the required cleaning effect and the consumption amount of alkaline ionized water. t After setting the number of sprays of alkaline ionized water from the first nozzle 34 and the second nozzle 35 (prescribed number of sprays N j ) can be appropriately adjusted. In particular, as a result of intensive research, the present inventors have found that the target injection amount N t It has been found that even when the amount of water is set to a relatively small amount, sufficient washing effect that can withstand practical use can be obtained for tableware D after washing in the dishwasher 40.

[0059] More specifically, the amount of alkaline ionized water sprayed per spray is set to about several milliliters to several tens of milliliters, and the specified number of sprays N j By setting the number of times to about several to several tens of times, the desired cleaning effect can be achieved. Therefore, by adopting a pre-treatment mode in which alkaline ionized water is sprayed onto the tableware D as in this embodiment, the consumption of alkaline ionized water can be reduced while still achieving the required cleaning effect, compared to a method in which alkaline ionized water is collected in the sink 13 and the tableware D is soaked in the water.

[0060] Furthermore, for example, by appropriately adjusting the nozzle diameter of the first nozzle 34 and / or the second nozzle 35, the time per spray (unit spray time Δt j ) is relatively short (for example, a few seconds to a few tens of seconds or less), the time required for one pretreatment (the specified number of sprays N j This can prevent the tableware D from having to wait for the completion of pre-treatment in the pre-washing treatment device 30, thereby achieving a more reliable and efficient washing operation.

[0061] (Effects of the embodiment) Next, the main effects of this embodiment will be described.

[0062] In this embodiment, a pre-washing treatment device 30 is provided for performing a predetermined pre-treatment on tableware D before the tableware D is loaded into the dishwasher 14. The pre-washing treatment device 30 includes a placement section (31) on which the tableware D is placed, supply sections (32, 33, 36) that supply a treatment liquid to loosen dirt from the tableware D, and a pre-treatment section (32, 33, 34, 35) that applies the treatment liquid to the tableware D placed on the placement section (31).

[0063] As a result, the tableware D to be washed is treated with a treatment liquid that loosens dirt, and then the tableware D is put into the dishwasher 14. Therefore, the tableware D can be made to a state in which dirt can be easily removed without manual pre-washing, and then washed by the dishwasher 14. Therefore, while achieving the desired cleaning effect (cleanliness) for the washed tableware D, manual pre-washing can be omitted, and the efficiency of washing operations in the store can be improved.

[0064] In particular, in the pre-washing treatment device 30 of this embodiment, the supply units (32, 33, 36) supply alkaline ion electrolyzed water as the treatment liquid. The pre-treatment units (32, 33, 34, 35) also include sprayers (34, 35) that spray alkaline ion electrolyzed water onto the tableware D.

[0065] This allows for the use of alkaline ionized water, which is suitable as a treatment liquid for lifting dirt from tableware D, and for this alkaline ionized water to be sprayed onto the tableware D. Therefore, the amount of alkaline ionized water used can be reduced while achieving the desired cleaning effect.

[0066] In the pre-washing treatment device 30 of this embodiment, the placement section (31) is configured as a rack 31 having a mesh-like placement surface 31a for placing tableware D. Furthermore, the spray devices (34, 35) have a first nozzle 34 arranged above the rack 31 with a spray nozzle facing the rack 31, and a second nozzle 35 arranged below the rack 31 facing the rack 31.

[0067] This allows alkaline ionized water to be sprayed from both above and below the tableware D placed on the rack 31. Therefore, the effect of lifting dirt adhering to the tableware D can be further improved without excessively increasing the amount of alkaline ionized water used.

[0068] Furthermore, in the pre-cleaning treatment device 30 of this embodiment, the supply unit (32, 33, 36) further includes a generator (electrolyzed water generator 32) that generates alkaline ion electrolyzed water, an electrolyzed water tank 33 that stores the generated alkaline ion electrolyzed water, and a pump 36 that pressure-feeds the alkaline ion electrolyzed water stored in the electrolyzed water tank 33 to the spray devices (34, 35).

[0069] This provides a specific configuration for adjusting the amount of alkaline ion electrolyzed water sprayed, taking into consideration the balance between the required cleaning effect and the amount of alkaline ion electrolyzed water consumed.

[0070] The pre-cleaning treatment device 30 of this embodiment further includes a control device (pre-treatment controller 65) that controls the spray devices (34, 35). When the pre-treatment controller 65 detects a signal (a first light-blocking signal S1 and a subsequent second light-blocking signal S2) indicating that a person has left the work area (cleaning work area R) defined around the mounting portion (31), the pre-treatment controller 65 operates the spray devices (34, 35) to spray alkaline ionized water.

[0071] This allows alkaline ionized water to be automatically sprayed when the employee leaves the washing work area R after completing tasks such as sorting the already washed tableware D onto the clean tables 15, 16. Therefore, compared to when alkaline ionized water spraying is triggered by manual operation, it is possible to reduce the occurrence of wasted time that would be expected due to forgetting to perform the operation, and prevent a decrease in the efficiency of the washing operation.

[0072] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the pretreatment controller 65 operates the spray devices (34, 35) so as to satisfy a predetermined target injection amount.

[0073] This provides a specific control algorithm for adjusting the amount of alkaline ion electrolyzed water sprayed, taking into account the balance between the required cleaning effect and the consumption of alkaline ion electrolyzed water.

[0074] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, a dishwashing system 20 is provided that includes the above-described pre-washing treatment device 30 and a dishwasher 14 disposed adjacent to the pre-washing treatment device 30.

[0075] This reduces the time required to move the pre-treated tableware D from the pre-washing treatment device 30 to the dishwasher 14, thereby further improving the efficiency of the washing operation.

[0076] In particular, dishwashing system 20 further includes hot water supply devices (71, 72, 74) for supplying hot water generated by a predetermined water heater to wash tank 42 in dishwasher 14, and a hot water supply control device (hot water supply controller 75) for controlling the supply of hot water to wash tank 42 by hot water supply devices (71, 72, 74). Hot water supply controller 75 controls the number of washes performed by dishwasher 14 (number of washes N w ) is the predetermined number of times (threshold cleaning number N th ), hot water is supplied to the washing tank 42 during the period when the dishwasher 14 is not washing the dishes D.

[0077] This allows the wash water in wash tank 42 to be replaced at an appropriate timing that does not interfere with washing by dishwasher 14, thereby maintaining the cleanliness of the wash water in wash tank 42. Furthermore, the wash water in wash tank 42 is replaced using hot water supplied by a water heater, which is expected to be installed in most establishments that serve food and beverages. Therefore, a specific configuration is provided that allows the wash water in wash tank 42 to be replaced without requiring major changes or additions to the plumbing-related facilities and devices in washing area 10.

[0078] The present embodiment and each of the modified examples have been described above, but the above embodiment and each of the modified examples merely illustrate application examples of the present invention, and are not intended to limit the technical scope of the present invention to the specific configurations of the above embodiment.

[0079] For example, in the above embodiment, an example was described in which alkaline ionized water was used as the treatment liquid for lifting dirt from tableware, but treatment liquids other than alkaline ionized water may also be used. More specifically, any liquid that has the effect of lifting dirt from tableware may be used as the treatment liquid. In particular, it is preferable to use a liquid such as alkaline ionized water, citric acid water, sodium bicarbonate water, water (tap water), or a combination (mixture) of two or more of these that has the effect of lifting dirt from tableware, while also preventing the tableware from drying to a certain extent and causing little harm to the human body if inhaled by employees or other personnel. Furthermore, the specific manner in which the treatment liquid is applied to the tableware in the pretreatment is not limited to spraying, and other configurations may be used to achieve other modes, such as immersion for a certain period of time or less.

[0080] In addition, the pre-washing treatment device 30 of this embodiment has been described as having, as spraying devices, a first nozzle 34 that sprays alkaline ionized water from above the tableware D and a second nozzle 35 that sprays it from below. However, it is also possible to adopt a configuration in which spraying is performed only from above or below (particularly from above) to simplify the device structure. [Explanation of symbols]

[0081] 10 Washing area 12 Soiled Table 13. Sink 14 Dishwasher 15 Clean Table 20 Dishwashing System 30 Pre-cleaning treatment equipment 31 racks 31a Placement surface 32 Electrolyzed water generator 33 Electrolyzed water tank 34 No. 1 nozzle 35 Second nozzle 36 Pump 40 Dishwasher 41 Storage Shelf 42 Cleaning Tank 43 Supply pipeline 51 Supply pipeline 61 First photoelectric sensor 62 Second photoelectric sensor 65 Pre-treatment controller 70 Hot Water Supply System 71 Water heater connection 72 First hot water pipe 73 Second hot water pipe 74 Solenoid valve 75 Hot water supply controller

Claims

1. A pre-washing treatment device for performing a predetermined pre-treatment on tableware before it is put into a dishwasher, a placement section for placing the tableware; a supply unit that supplies a treatment liquid that lifts dirt from the tableware; a pre-treatment section that applies the treatment liquid to the tableware placed on the placement section, Pre-cleaning treatment equipment.

2. The cleaning pre-treatment device according to claim 1, the supply unit supplies alkaline ionized water as the treatment liquid, The pre-treatment unit has a spray device that sprays the supplied alkaline ionized water onto the tableware. Pre-cleaning treatment equipment.

3. The cleaning pre-treatment device according to claim 2, The placing section is configured as a rack having a mesh-like surface for placing the tableware, The spray device is a first nozzle disposed above the rack with a spray nozzle directed toward the rack; a second nozzle disposed below the rack and facing the rack; Pre-cleaning treatment equipment.

4. The cleaning pre-treatment device according to claim 2, The supply unit includes: A generator for generating the alkaline ionized water; an electrolyzed water tank for storing the generated alkaline ionized water; and a pump that pressure-feeds the alkaline ionized water stored in the electrolytic water tank to the spray device. Pre-cleaning treatment equipment.

5. The cleaning pre-treatment device according to claim 2, Further, a control device for controlling the spray device is provided. The control device When a signal indicating that a person has left the work area defined around the placement unit is detected, the spray device is activated to spray the alkaline ionized water. Pre-cleaning treatment equipment.

6. The cleaning pre-treatment device according to claim 2, Further, a control device for controlling the spray device is provided. The control device Activating the spray device so as to satisfy a set target injection amount; Pre-cleaning treatment equipment.

7. The cleaning pre-treatment device according to claim 4 or 5, The dishwasher is disposed adjacent to the pre-washing treatment device. Dishwashing system.

8. 8. The dishwashing system of claim 7, a hot water supply device for supplying hot water generated by a predetermined water heater to a washing tank in the dishwasher; a hot water supply control device that controls the supply of hot water to the washing tank by the hot water supply device, The hot water supply control device includes: When the number of times that the dishwasher has performed washing reaches a predetermined number, hot water is supplied to the washing tank during a period when the dishwasher is not performing washing of the dishes. Dishwashing system.

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