Cleaning device and cleaning method

Abstract

To provide a washing device and a washing method which, when washing water is circulated, can make it difficult for leftover food or the like contained in washing water to remain in a tank that stores and heats the circulating washing water. [Solution] A cleaning device and cleaning method comprising a heating means for heating cleaning water temporarily stored in a water storage tank within the water storage tank, a circulation pump for sucking in and discharging the cleaning water stored in the cleaning tank and flowing it into the water storage tank, and a drain pipe connected to a drain outlet on the bottom of the water storage tank for flowing the cleaning water temporarily stored in the water storage tank into the cleaning tank, the cleaning water stored in the cleaning tank is sprayed by the cleaning pump onto the object to be cleaned to clean it, the cleaning water used for cleaning is stored in the cleaning tank, the cleaning water stored in the cleaning tank is flowed into the water storage tank by the circulation pump, heated by the heating means while flowing within the water storage tank, and discharged into the cleaning tank via the drain outlet.

Description

[Technical Field]

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

[0002] 2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, the following washing apparatuses have been known for washing tableware.

[0003] The device described in Patent Document 1 heats a part of a washing tank that stores washing water with combustion exhaust gas generated by a gas burner.The washing water stored in the washing tank is heated, and the heated washing water is sucked in by a pump, discharged, and sprayed to wash dishes.

[0004] The washing water that has washed the dishes falls and is stored in the washing tank, where it is heated again by the combustion exhaust that heats part of the washing tank, and is used to wash the dishes. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] Jitszen No. 56-125157 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] The washing device described in Patent Document 1 uses circulating wash water to wash dishes, so food residue and other particles adhering to the dishes get into the washing tank each time the dishes are washed, causing the inside of the washing tank to become dirty.Furthermore, food residue and other particles are baked and adhere to a part of the washing tank that is heated by the gas burner.

[0007] Food residue and other debris adhering to parts of the cleaning tank are difficult to remove unless they are soaked in chemicals, and when the cleaning device is cleaned after use, the debris remains attached to parts of the cleaning tank.

[0008] Food scraps and other debris remaining in the cleaning tank make it difficult for the heat energy from the exhaust gas generated by the gas burner to be transferred to the cleaning water stored in the cleaning tank.The efficiency of heat exchange with the exhaust gas decreases with each cleaning, and the energy consumed to heat the same volume of cleaning water to the same temperature gradually increases.

[0009] If the cleaning water stored in the cleaning tank continues to be heated by the combustion exhaust gas in this state, the energy of the combustion exhaust gas that is not used to heat exchange the cleaning water in the area where food scraps and other debris are attached will thermally deform and damage parts of the cleaning tank and exhaust duct that come into contact with the combustion exhaust gas.

[0010] Furthermore, there is a problem in that the exhaust path through which the combustion exhaust gas generated by the gas combustor flows becomes deformed and narrowed or blocked, resulting in incomplete combustion by the gas combustor.

[0011] The present invention aims to provide a washing device and a washing method that, when using circulated washing water, can prevent food residue and the like contained in the washing water from remaining in a tank that stores and heats the circulating washing water. [Means for solving the problem]

[0012] In order to achieve the above object, a cleaning device according to the present invention comprises: A cleaning device that cleans an object by sucking and discharging cleaning water stored in a cleaning tank using a cleaning pump and spraying it onto the object, a water storage tank for temporarily storing cleaning water; a heating means for heating flush water temporarily stored in the water storage tank within the water storage tank; a circulation pump that sucks and discharges flush water stored in the flush tank and flows it into the water storage tank; A drain outlet is provided on the bottom of the water storage tank, and a drain pipe is connected to the drain outlet to allow flush water temporarily stored in the water storage tank to flow into the flush tank; Equipped with The cleaning water stored in the cleaning tank and sucked and discharged by the cleaning pump is sprayed onto the object to be cleaned, and the cleaning water used for cleaning is stored in the cleaning tank, The flush water stored in the flush tank is sucked and discharged by the circulation pump to flow into the water storage tank, and is heated by the heating means while flowing in the water storage tank, and is drained into the flush tank through the drain outlet. It is characterized by the following.

[0013] The cleaning method according to the present invention further comprises: a water supply step in which flush water stored in the flush tank is sucked in and discharged by a circulation pump, and the flush water flows into a water storage tank in which the flush water is temporarily stored; a heating step of heating the flush water that has flowed into the water storage tank in the water supply step by a heating means while causing it to flow within the water storage tank; a draining step in which the flush water heated and flowed in the heating step flows from a drain outlet provided on the bottom surface of the water storage tank through a drain pipe into the flushing tank; a main cleaning step in which the cleaning water flowed into the cleaning tank in the draining step is sucked and discharged by a cleaning pump and sprayed onto the object to be cleaned; Including, The cleaning water used to clean the object in the main cleaning step is flowed into the cleaning tank and stored therein, and the water supply step, the heating step, and the draining step are performed again in this order. It is characterized by the following. [Effects of the Invention]

[0014] According to the cleaning device and cleaning method of the present invention, when cleaning water is circulated, it is possible to prevent food scraps and the like contained in the cleaning water from remaining in the tank that stores and heats the circulating cleaning water. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0015] [Figure 1] 1 is a front view showing the overall configuration of a cleaning device according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 2] 3A and 3B show the configuration of a heat exchanger provided in the cleaning device, where FIG. 3A is a front view and FIG. 3B is a top view with the top surface omitted. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a step diagram of a cleaning method performed using the cleaning device. [Figure 4] FIG. 10 is a front view showing a state in which a water supply step is being performed in the cleaning method performed using the cleaning device. [Figure 5] FIG. 10 is a top view of the heat exchanger, with the top surface omitted, illustrating a state in which a water supply step is being performed in the cleaning method performed using the cleaning device. [Figure 6] 1A and 1B show the state of a heat exchanger undergoing a heating step in a cleaning method using the above-mentioned cleaning device, where (a) is a front view and (b) is a top view with the top surface omitted. [Figure 7] 1A and 1B show the state of the heat exchanger during the draining step in the cleaning method using the above-mentioned cleaning device, where (a) is a front view and (b) is a top view with the top surface omitted. [Figure 8] FIG. 10 is a front view showing a state in which a drainage step is being performed in the cleaning method performed using the cleaning device. [Figure 9] FIG. 2 is a front view showing a state in which a main cleaning step and a rinsing cleaning step are being performed in a cleaning method using the cleaning device. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0016] The first invention is A cleaning device that cleans an object by sucking and discharging cleaning water stored in a cleaning tank using a cleaning pump and spraying it onto the object, a water storage tank for temporarily storing cleaning water; a heating means for heating flush water temporarily stored in the water storage tank within the water storage tank; a circulation pump that sucks and discharges flush water stored in the flush tank and flows it into the water storage tank; A drain outlet is provided on the bottom of the water storage tank, and a drain pipe is connected to the drain outlet to allow flush water temporarily stored in the water storage tank to flow into the flush tank; Equipped with The cleaning water stored in the cleaning tank and sucked and discharged by the cleaning pump is sprayed onto the object to be cleaned, and the cleaning water used for cleaning is stored in the cleaning tank, The flush water stored in the flush tank is sucked and discharged by the circulation pump to flow into the water storage tank, and is heated by the heating means while flowing in the water storage tank, and is drained into the flush tank through the drain outlet. The cleaning device is characterized by the above.

[0017] This makes it difficult for food scraps and other debris contained in the wash water to accumulate in the water storage tank, which temporarily stores the circulating wash water and heats and circulates it.Furthermore, since food scraps and other debris contained in the wash water are unlikely to accumulate in the water storage tank, it is possible to prevent food scraps and other debris contained in the wash water from adhering to the heating means and reducing heat exchange efficiency.

[0018] The second invention is the first invention, The wall surface of the water storage tank is configured to have a polygonal or substantially circular shape when viewed from above, The flush water sucked in and discharged by the circulation pump is discharged from the water supply port in the water storage tank in a substantially horizontal direction, The flush water discharged from the water supply port flows clockwise or counterclockwise along the wall surface of the water storage tank, and a drain outlet is located on the bottom surface of the water storage tank just before the water has gone around the wall surface of the water storage tank. The cleaning device is characterized by the above.

[0019] This allows the flush water to be kept flowing in the water storage tank for as long as possible while in contact with the heating means, thereby raising the temperature of the flush water to a higher level.

[0020] The third invention is the first invention, a flow pipe that passes through the heating means and flows the cleaning water while heating it is provided in the heating means; Of the openings at both ends of the flow pipe passing through the heating means, one opening is lower in height than the other opening, and the other opening of the flow pipe is provided on the side opposite to the side where the drain outlet is located. The cleaning device is characterized by the above.

[0021] This allows the relatively low-temperature flush water that accumulates at the bottom of the flush water temporarily stored in the water storage tank to be heated and made to flow within the flow pipe that passes through the heating means.

[0022] Furthermore, flush water that is heated and flowing inside the flow pipe is made to flow to the side opposite the side where the drain outlet is located, and mixed with flush water flowing inside the water storage tank toward the drain outlet, thereby making it possible to equalize the temperature of flush water that is temporarily stored in the water storage tank. This also prevents high-temperature flush water from accumulating in the water storage tank, making it possible to suppress the precipitation of components contained in the flush water, such as magnesium and calcium, as scale inside the water storage tank.

[0023] The fourth invention is any one of the first to third inventions, The water storage tank is provided with an overflow section that overflows and drains flush water into the flush tank when flush water temporarily stored in the water storage tank exceeds a predetermined water level, The temporarily stored flush water is drained into the flush tank as drainage from a drain outlet provided on the bottom of the water storage tank and as overflow from the overflow section. The cleaning device is characterized by the above.

[0024] This prevents high-temperature flush water located near the surface of the flush water from stagnating in the tank, and enables the flush water stored in the tank to be effectively heated.

[0025] The fifth invention is a water supply step in which flush water stored in the flush tank is sucked in and discharged by a circulation pump, and the flush water flows into a water storage tank in which the flush water is temporarily stored; a heating step of heating the flush water that has flowed into the water storage tank in the water supply step by a heating means while causing it to flow within the water storage tank; a draining step in which the flush water heated and flowed in the heating step flows from a drain outlet provided on the bottom surface of the water storage tank through a drain pipe into the flushing tank; a main cleaning step in which the cleaning water flowed into the cleaning tank in the draining step is sucked and discharged by a cleaning pump and sprayed onto the object to be cleaned; Including, The cleaning water used to clean the object in the main cleaning step is flowed into the cleaning tank and stored therein, and the water supply step, the heating step, and the draining step are performed again in this order. The cleaning method is characterized by the above.

[0026] This makes it difficult for food scraps and other debris contained in the wash water to accumulate in the water storage tank, which temporarily stores the circulating wash water and heats and circulates it.Furthermore, since food scraps and other debris contained in the wash water are unlikely to accumulate in the water storage tank, it is possible to prevent food scraps and other debris contained in the wash water from adhering to the heating means and reducing heat exchange efficiency.

[0027] The sixth invention is the fifth invention, In the heating step, while being heated by the heating means, flush water is discharged from the water supply port in a substantially horizontal direction so as to flow clockwise or counterclockwise along the wall surface of the water storage tank, which is configured to be polygonal or substantially circular in top view, In the draining step, flush water that has been heated and flowed clockwise or counterclockwise in a top view of the water storage tank is flowed from a drain outlet located on the bottom of the water storage tank at a position before going around the wall of the water storage tank through a drain pipe into the flush tank. The cleaning method is characterized by the above.

[0028] This allows the flush water to be kept flowing in the water storage tank for as long as possible while in contact with the heating means, thereby raising the temperature of the flush water to a higher level.

[0029] The seventh invention is the fifth invention, In the heating step, flush water temporarily stored in the water storage tank is heated and made to flow in a flow pipe that penetrates the heating means, has one opening on the side where the drain outlet is located, and the other opening on the side opposite the side where the drain outlet is located, and is inclined upward toward the other opening side. The cleaning method is characterized by the above.

[0030] This allows the relatively low-temperature flush water that accumulates at the bottom of the flush water temporarily stored in the water storage tank to be heated and made to flow within the flow pipe that passes through the heating means.

[0031] Furthermore, flush water that is heated and flowing inside the flow pipe is made to flow to the side opposite the side where the drain outlet is located, and mixed with flush water flowing inside the water storage tank toward the drain outlet, thereby making it possible to equalize the temperature of flush water that is temporarily stored in the water storage tank. This also prevents high-temperature flush water from accumulating in the water storage tank, making it possible to suppress the precipitation of components contained in the flush water, such as magnesium and calcium, as scale inside the water storage tank.

[0032] The eighth invention is any one of the fifth to seventh inventions, In the drainage step, flush water temporarily stored in the water storage tank is caused to flow into the flush tank from a drain outlet provided on the bottom surface of the water storage tank, The flush water stored in the water storage tank is allowed to overflow from an overflow section provided in the water storage tank and flow into the flush tank. The cleaning method is characterized by the above.

[0033] This prevents high-temperature flush water located near the surface of the flush water from stagnating in the tank, and enables the flush water stored in the tank to be effectively heated.

[0034] (Embodiment 1) (Configuration of cleaning device) First, the basic configuration of the cleaning device 1 of the present invention will be described.

[0035] In this embodiment, a representative example of the object to be cleaned is a dish (object to be cleaned) D after eating. In addition, in Fig. 1 and Fig. 9, the solid arrow indicates the conveyance direction of the dish D, which is the object to be cleaned.

[0036] 4 to 9, the flow of cleaning water is indicated by solid arrows, and the flow of tap water is indicated by hollow arrows in Fig. 9. In addition, in Fig. 6 and Fig. 7, the flow of combustion exhaust (high-temperature fluid) G is indicated by dashed arrows.

[0037] As shown in FIG. 1, the cleaning device 1 includes: a main washing unit 10 that sucks and discharges washing water stored in a washing tank 11 using a washing pump 15 and sprays it from a washing nozzle 14 through a washing pipe 13 to wash tableware D transported by a transport means 3; a rinsing / washing section (20) that sprays tap water supplied through a rinsing pipe (21) from a rinsing nozzle (22) to rinse the tableware (D) being transported by the transporting means (3); a heat exchanger (30) that uses a circulation pump (43) to suck and discharge cleaning water stored in the cleaning tank (11), temporarily stores the water in a water storage tank (40), heats it with a heating means (60), and then flows it into the cleaning tank (11); a control unit 70 connected to each device of the cleaning device 1 to control driving or operation and stop, and receiving signals from each sensor; It consists of:

[0038] The cleaning device 1 is covered by a housing 2 made of sheet metal attached to a framework, and has a conveying means 3 extending from an inlet 2a, which is an opening on one side of the housing 2, to an outlet 2b, which is an opening on the other side.

[0039] The conveying means 3 is a net conveyor with many openings, and conveys the dishes D placed face down on the placement surface after eating.

[0040] In the main washing section 10 or the rinsing washing section 20, cleaning water or tap water is sprayed from above and below the placement surface of the conveying means 3 on which the tableware D is placed. The cleaning water or tap water sprayed from below the placement surface of the tableware D passes through many openings in the conveying means 3 and cleans the eating surface, which is the lower part of the tableware D.

[0041] In addition to the tableware D, the items to be washed may also include a dish basket containing the tableware D, a food container, and cooking utensils such as a ladle used for cooking or eating.

[0042] (Main cleaning section) The main cleaning section 10 includes: a cleaning tank 11 for storing cleaning water, which is tap water mixed with detergent; a washing pump 15 that sucks washing water stored in the washing tank 11, discharges it into the washing pipe 13, and sprays it through a washing nozzle 14 provided on the washing pipe 13 to wash the tableware D transported by the transport means 3; It consists of:

[0043] Wash tank 11 has a temperature sensor 12 that measures the temperature of the wash water stored in wash tank 11. Temperature sensor 12 measures the temperature of the wash water and sends it to control unit 70. In addition, tap water is supplied to wash tank 11 via a ball tap, and the water level at which the stored wash water is kept full is maintained.

[0044] The washing nozzles 14 are positioned above and below the placement surface of the conveying means 3 on which the tableware D is placed, and wash the top and bottom of the tableware D by spraying washing water.

[0045] In addition to tap water mixed with detergent, functional water mixed with fine bubbles, alkaline water, or acidic water may also be used as the cleaning water.

[0046] It is preferable that the cleaning tank 11 is provided with an overflow port for draining the cleaning water when the stored cleaning water exceeds the full water level, and an overflow pipe for draining the cleaning water from the overflow port.

[0047] (Rinse section) The rinsing section 20 includes: A rinsing pipe 21 connected to a water supply, which sprays the supplied tap water through a rinsing nozzle 22 to wash the tableware D transported by the transporting means 3; A flow section 23 is an inclined plate member that allows tap water sprayed from the rinsing nozzle 22 to flow down into the cleaning tank 11; It consists of:

[0048] (Heat exchange part) As shown in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2(a) and (b), the heat exchange section 30 includes: A water storage tank 40 having a substantially rectangular shape in a top view, which is located above the flushing tank 11, more specifically above the top plate of the housing 2, and which temporarily stores flushing water; a circulation pump 43 that sucks in flush water stored in the flush tank 11 and discharges it into the water supply pipe 42, and discharges it into the water storage tank 40 in a substantially horizontal direction from a water supply port 41, which is the opening of the water supply pipe 42; an overflow section (50) that overflows and drains flush water when the flush water temporarily stored in the water storage tank (40) exceeds a predetermined water level; a heating means 60 for heating flush water temporarily stored in the water storage tank 40; It consists of:

[0049] As shown in Figure 5, the water tank 40 is provided with a water supply port 41, which is the opening of a water supply pipe 42 that discharges flush water in an approximately horizontal direction and causes the flush water to flow clockwise along the wall surface 40a of the water tank 40.

[0050] In addition, the cleaning water ejected from the water supply port 41 may be made to flow counterclockwise along the wall surface 40a of the water storage tank 40, in which case the water supply port 41 may be positioned at a position different from that shown in Figure 5.

[0051] Although the water storage tank 40 has been described as being rectangular in top view, it may be polygonal or substantially circular as long as flush water flows clockwise along the wall surface 40a of the water storage tank 40.

[0052] 2(a) and 2(b), water storage tank 40 is provided with drain outlet 44 on bottom surface 40c at a position just before flush water, which is made to flow clockwise from water supply inlet 41 along wall surface 40a of water storage tank 40, makes a full circle back to water supply inlet 41. Drain outlet 44 is connected to drain pipe 45, and drains flush water stored in water storage tank 40 into flush tank 11.

[0053] The drain pipe 45 may be a gutter having a rectangular or semicircular cross section, other than a pipe.

[0054] A temperature sensor 47 that measures the temperature of the flush water is attached to wall surface 40a of water storage tank 40. Temperature sensor 47 measures the temperature of the flush water temporarily stored in water storage tank 40 and sends it to control unit 70.

[0055] A pair of water level sensors 46 are attached facing downwards to the top surface 40b of the water storage tank 40. Water level sensors 46 detect the level of flush water temporarily stored in the water storage tank 40, and if it is below a predetermined level, they send a signal to the control unit 70 indicating that there is no flush water stored in the water storage tank 40, and upon receiving this signal, the control unit 70 stops operation of the heating means 60.

[0056] In addition, if the level of the flush water temporarily stored in the water storage tank 40 exceeds the specified level for full water, a signal is sent to the control unit 70, and the control unit 70, upon receiving the signal, stops the circulation pump 43 until the flush water level drops below the specified level for full water.

[0057] Also, an overflow section 50 is provided adjacent to water supply port 41 of water storage tank 40, through which flush water that is temporarily stored overflows when it exceeds a predetermined water level. Overflow section 50 is made up of a water collection section 51 that is open and faces upward to collect flush water, an overflow port 52 opened in approximately the center of water collection section 51, and an overflow pipe 53 that connects to overflow port 52, merges with drain pipe 45, and drains the flush water into flush tank 11.

[0058] Heating means 60 for heating the flush water by heat from the exhaust gas G is provided at a position spaced apart from the wall surface 40a of the water storage tank 40 when viewed from above, for example, at approximately the center.

[0059] The heating means 60 is a combustion section 61 that ignites and burns premixed gas, which is a mixture of air and combustion gas in a predetermined ratio, and which flows through a gas pipe (not shown), thereby generating combustion exhaust G; a heating section 62 made of, for example, a metal plate in a cubic shape, which has a combustion section 61 inside and heats the flushing water temporarily stored in the water storage tank 40 by heat transfer from the combustion exhaust G generated in the combustion section 61; an exhaust pipe 63 provided above the heating section 62 and discharging the combustion exhaust G generated in the combustion section 61; It consists of:

[0060] The heating section 62 is provided with a plurality of flow pipes 62a, which are pipes that pass through the heating means 60 in a straight line and incline upward from the left side to the right side in FIGS. 2(a) and 2(b).

[0061] In other words, this positional relationship can be expressed as follows: a plurality of flow pipes 62a are provided which are pipes that pass through the heating means 60 in a straight line and slope upward from the side where the drain outlet 44 is provided on the bottom surface 40c of the water storage tank 40 to the side opposite the side where the drain outlet 44 is provided on the bottom surface 40c of the water storage tank 40.

[0062] Furthermore, to put this positional relationship in other words, the heating section 62 is provided with a flow pipe 62a, which is a pipe line that passes through the heating means 60 in a straight line and slopes upward from the side where the overflow section 50 of the water storage tank 40 is located to the side opposite the side where the overflow section 50 is located.

[0063] Flush water temporarily stored in the water storage tank 40 can flow inside the flow pipe 62a through one opening and the other opening, which are openings at both ends of the flow pipe 62a.

[0064] Additionally, numerous flat copper fins 62b are attached around the flow pipe 62a at a predetermined interval, for example, 1 to 3 mm, in the combustion section 61 inside the heating section 62. The fins 62b serve to effectively transfer the thermal energy stored in the combustion exhaust gas G flowing around the flow pipe 62a to the flow pipe 62a.

[0065] It is preferable to provide a ventilation system above the cleaning device 1 in the facility where the cleaning device 1 is installed, so that the combustion exhaust G discharged from the exhaust pipe 63 can be exhausted outside the facility.

[0066] The cleaning pipe 13, rinsing pipe 21, water supply pipe 42, drain pipe 45, and overflow pipe 53 described in this embodiment may be provided with valves for adjusting the flow rate.

[0067] (Cleaning method) Next, a method for washing tableware D using the washing device 1 will be described.

[0068] As shown in Figure 3, the cleaning method is a heating and circulation step S100 in which the cleaning water stored in the cleaning tank 11 is sucked in and discharged by the circulation pump 43 to flow into the water storage tank 40, heated and flowed in the water storage tank 40, and drained into the cleaning tank 11, and the cleaning water stored in the cleaning tank 11 is circulated while being heated; a main washing step S200 in which the washing water heated in the heating and circulating step S100 is sprayed onto the tableware D being transported by the transport means 3 to perform the main washing; a rinsing step S300 in which tap water is sprayed onto the tableware D that has undergone the main washing step S200 while the tableware D is being conveyed by the conveying means 3 to rinse the tableware D; It consists of:

[0069] Further, the heating circulation step S100 is a water supply step S110 in which the cleaning water stored in the cleaning tank 11 is discharged into the suction water supply pipe 42 by the circulation pump 43 and flows into the water storage tank 40 provided in the heat exchange unit 30; a heating step S120 in which the flush water that was flowed into the water storage tank 40 in the water supply step S110 and temporarily stored therein is flowed while being heated by the heating means 60; A drainage step S130 in which the flush water heated and flowed in the heating step S120 is drained from the drain outlet 44 of the water storage tank 40 and flowed into the flush tank 11 in order to heat the flush water stored in the flush tank 11; It consists of:

[0070] (Water supply step) As part of the heating and circulating step S100 shown in FIG. 3, the water supplying step S110 that is performed first will be described.

[0071] As shown in Figures 4 and 5, flush water stored in flush tank 11 is sucked in by circulation pump 43 and discharged through water supply pipe 42 and water supply port 41 into water storage tank 40 in a substantially horizontal direction, causing it to flow. At this time, tap water is supplied to flush tank 11 via a ball tap.

[0072] The flush water that flows into the water storage tank 40 flows along the wall surface 40a of the water storage tank 40, reaches the drain outlet 44, and is drained into the flush tank 11 through the drain pipe 45. The amount of flush water discharged from the water supply port 41 is set to be greater than the amount of flush water drained from the drain outlet 44. The amount of flush water discharged from the water supply port 41 is set by selecting the water supply capacity of the circulation pump 43, selecting the diameters of the drain outlet 44 and the drain pipe 45, adjusting the opening of the valves provided on the water supply pipe 42 and the drain pipe 45, etc.

[0073] By setting in this way, when the water supply step S110 is started, the water level in the water storage tank 40 gradually rises. When the water level reaches the upper end of the water collection section 51 of the overflow section 50, overflow begins. At this time, the water level exceeds the predetermined water level of the water storage tank 40.

[0074] As the water level in the water storage tank 40 rises, the heating means 60 provided in the water storage tank 40 becomes submerged. When the water storage tank 40 reaches a predetermined water level, it is desirable to submerge the top surface of the heating means 60 in flush water. This can improve the heat exchange efficiency of the flush water.

[0075] As the water level in the water storage tank 40 rises, the inside of the flow pipe 62a is also filled with flush water. The inclined flow pipe 62a can prevent air from collecting inside the flow pipe 62a. Overheating due to air collecting can be prevented in the heating step S120 described below.

[0076] (heating step) As part of the heating circulation step S100 shown in FIG. 3, the heating step S120 performed after the water supply step S110 will be described.

[0077] In the water supply step S110, when the water level sensor 46 receives a signal indicating that the water level is at a predetermined level, the control unit 70 starts combustion in the combustion unit 61 of the heating means 60.

[0078] As shown in Figures 6(a) and (b), most of the flush water sent to the water storage tank 40 in the water supply step S110 flows along the wall surface 40a of the water storage tank 40, flowing clockwise in Figure 6(b), and is heated by heat transfer from the combustion exhaust gas G flowing within the heating section 62 of the heating means 60. This allows the flush water to be kept flowing within the water storage tank 40 for as long as possible while coming into contact with the heating means 60, raising the temperature of the flush water to a higher temperature, while making the temperature approximately uniform through the stirring action caused by the flow.

[0079] Furthermore, some of the flush water that flows into the water storage tank 40 in the water supply step S110 flows through the flow pipe 62a that passes through the heating section 62 and is heated.

[0080] In particular, inside the heating section 62, a large number of fins 62b are provided on the outside of the flow pipe 62a to effectively transfer the thermal energy of the combustion exhaust G generated in the combustion section 61 to the flow pipe 62a. As a result, the inside of the flow pipe 62a tends to become hotter than the wall surface of the heating section 62.

[0081] Therefore, of the flushing water temporarily stored in the water storage tank 40, the relatively low-temperature flushing water located on the bottom surface 40c side shown in Figure 6(a) can be guided into the flow pipe 62a, effectively heated, and flowed toward the side opposite the drain outlet 44, i.e., the side opposite the overflow section 50.

[0082] This allows most of the flush water temporarily stored in the water storage tank 40 to merge with the flush water that is heated and flows clockwise as shown in Figure 6(b). By merging the flush waters in this way, the temperature of the flush water temporarily stored in the water storage tank 40 can be made uniform.

[0083] This also promotes heat exchange between the heating section 62 and the cleaning water, preventing the heating section 62 from being overheated by the combustion exhaust G, and preventing components contained in the cleaning water, such as magnesium and calcium, from precipitating as scale in the water storage tank 40.

[0084] The cleaning water heated in the heating section 62 and flowing along the wall surface 40a, and the cleaning water heated and flowing in the flow pipe 62a that passes through the heating section 62, are agitated by the flow and the temperature is made uniform, and they reach the position where the drain outlet 44 is provided.

[0085] (Drainage step) As part of the heating circulation step S100 shown in FIG. 3, the drainage step S130 performed after the heating step S120 will be described.

[0086] As shown in Figures 7(a)(b) and 8, the cleaning water that flows from the water supply port 41 into the water storage tank 40 in the water supply step S110 flows along the wall surface 40a of the water storage tank 40 in the heating step S120, flows to the drain outlet 44 opened in the bottom surface 40c of the water storage tank 40 at a position just before completing a full circle, and is drained into the cleaning tank 11 through the drain pipe 45.

[0087] This makes it possible to prevent flush water that is temporarily stored in the water storage tank 40 from accumulating in the water storage tank 40. Also, food scraps and the like, which have a relatively large specific gravity, are caused to flow to the drain outlet 44 along with the flush water, making it possible to prevent food scraps and the like from accumulating in the water storage tank 40.

[0088] Also, at this time, if the flush water temporarily stored in water storage tank 40 exceeds a predetermined water level, the flush water near the water surface flows from the upper end of water collection section 51 into water collection section 51, passes through overflow port 52 and overflow pipe 53 to join drain pipe 45. It is then drained into flush tank 11. In other words, the flush water that flows from water supply port 41 into water storage tank 40 is drained into flush tank 11 through drain pipe 45 in parallel with drain port 44 and overflow section 50.

[0089] This prevents high-temperature flush water located near the surface of the flush water from accumulating in the water storage tank 40, and effectively heats the flush water stored in the flush tank 11. Also, food scraps and the like, which have a relatively low specific gravity, are caused to flow to the overflow port 52 along with the flush water, making it difficult for food scraps and the like to accumulate in the water storage tank 40.

[0090] In addition, by allowing the flushing water stored in the water storage tank 40 to overflow from the water collection section 51, which opens upward over a wider area than simply opening the overflow port 52 upward, more of the high-temperature flushing water located near the water surface can be directed into the water collection section 51 and overflowed, effectively heating the flushing water stored in the flushing tank 11.

[0091] The flush water discharged into the washing tank 11 mixes with the flush water stored in the washing tank 11 and heats the flush water stored in the washing tank 11.

[0092] When the temperature of the heated cleaning water reaches a predetermined temperature, for example, approximately 60 degrees C, which is a temperature suitable for spraying and washing tableware D, the control unit 70, which receives a signal of the temperature of the cleaning water stored in the cleaning tank 11 from the temperature sensor 12, stops combustion in the combustion unit 61 and stops operation of the circulation pump 43.

[0093] In this way, the heating circulation step S100, which includes the water supply step S110, the heating step S120, and the water drainage step S130, is completed.

[0094] In the heating and circulating step S100, the water supplying step S110, the heating step S120, and the draining step S130 are carried out in parallel until the temperature of the cleaning water stored in the cleaning tank 11 reaches a predetermined temperature.

[0095] It has been explained that in the heating and circulating step S100, the control unit 70 stops the combustion in the combustion unit 61 and the operation of the circulation pump 43 when it receives a signal from the temperature sensor 12 that the wash water stored in the wash tank 11 has reached a predetermined temperature, but it may also be controlled to stop only the combustion in the combustion unit 61 while continuing to operate the circulation pump 43. This makes it possible to continue the state in which the wash water is flowing at a predetermined water level in the water storage tank 40, making it less likely that food scraps and the like contained in the wash water will remain stagnant in the water storage tank 40.

[0096] Furthermore, when combustion in the combustion section 61 is started again, the time required to store cleaning water in the water storage tank 40 until it reaches a predetermined water level is shortened, and heating of the cleaning water can begin more quickly than when the circulation pump 43 is stopped.

[0097] In addition, the temperature of the heating means 60, which has stopped burning, is reduced (cooled) to the same temperature as the cleaning water, and the residual heat of the heating means 60 can be prevented from burning and adhering food scraps to the wall surface of the heating means 60 or the inside of the flow pipe 62a, thereby preventing a decrease in the heat exchange efficiency of the heating means 60.

[0098] Furthermore, the temperature sensor 47 attached to the water storage tank 40 is intended to prevent the heating means 60 from overheating and to protect the heating means 60. For example, when the temperature reaches 90 degrees C, the control unit 70 receives a signal from the temperature sensor 47 and stops combustion in the combustion unit 61. This makes it possible to prevent the heating means 60 from overheating in the unlikely event that a malfunction occurs in the cleaning device.

[0099] (Main cleaning step) Next, the main cleaning step S200 performed after the heating circulation step S100 shown in FIG. 3 is completed will be described.

[0100] As shown in FIG. 9, the dishes D are placed on the placement surface of the driving conveying means 3, and the dishes D are carried into the housing 2 through the carry-in opening 2a.

[0101] The dishes D are brought in through the inlet 2a and discharged into the suction washing pipe 13 by the washing pump 15, and the flowing washing water is sprayed through the washing nozzle 14. The washing water sprayed from the washing nozzle 14 washes away dirt adhering to the dishes D. In particular, if the dishes D are covered in oil, the washing water can be effectively washed away because it is heated to a predetermined temperature.

[0102] After rinsing the dishes D, the washing water falls and is stored in the washing tank 11. It is then sucked into the washing pump 15 and circulated for use in washing the next dishes D that are transported. In this manner, the main washing step S200 for washing the dishes D is performed.

[0103] (Rinse step) Next, the rinsing step S300 performed after the main cleaning step S200 shown in FIG. 3 will be described.

[0104] As shown in Fig. 9, the tableware D washed in the main washing step S200 is transported further downstream by the driven transport means 3. Then, tap water flowing through the rinsing pipe 21 is sprayed onto the tableware D transported downstream via the rinsing nozzle 22. The tap water sprayed from the rinsing nozzle 22 washes away the washing water and dirt adhering to the tableware D.

[0105] The tap water that has rinsed the dishes D falls onto the flow section 23, flows over the flow section 23, and flows into the washing tank 11. The tap water that has flowed into the washing tank 11 is then used as washing water in the main washing step S200. In this way, the rinsing step S300, in which the dishes D are rinsed, is performed.

[0106] (Regarding the timing of the heating cycle step) The heating and circulation step S100 shown in FIG. 3 can be performed not only before the main cleaning step S200, but also during or after the main cleaning step S200 or the rinsing step S300.

[0107] The timing for performing the heating and circulation step S100 is when the temperature of the cleaning water sent to the control unit 70 by the temperature sensor 12 of the cleaning tank 11 shown in FIG. 1 falls below a predetermined temperature, for example, 60 degrees Celsius.

[0108] When the temperature of the cleaning water stored in the cleaning tank 11, which is sent to the control unit 70 by the temperature sensor 12, falls below a predetermined temperature, the control unit 70 drives the circulation pump 43. Then, when the control unit 70 receives a signal from the water level sensor 46 of the water storage tank 40 that the cleaning water is at a predetermined water level, it combusts the premixed gas in the combustion unit 61 shown in Figure 2.

[0109] Then, a heating circulation step S100 is performed, which is composed of a water supply step S110, a heating step S120, and a water discharge step S130 shown in FIG.

[0110] In the heating and circulation step S100, the cleaning water is heated and circulated without stagnating in the water storage tank 40, and then drained into the cleaning tank 11, thereby making it difficult for food scraps and other items contained in the cleaning water to stagnate in the water storage tank 40.

[0111] This also prevents food residue and the like contained in the washing water from adhering to the heating section 62, thereby preventing a decrease in heat exchange efficiency.

[0112] In particular, by making it difficult for food scraps and the like contained in the wash water to accumulate in the water storage tank 40 of the heat exchanger 30, it is possible to make it difficult for food scraps and the like to adhere to the surface of the heating unit 62 located in the water storage tank 40. In addition, food scraps and the like adhering to the surface of the heating unit 62 reduces the heat exchange efficiency of the heating unit 62, which prevents an increase in the energy consumed to heat the same volume of wash water by the same temperature, and prevents the fins 62b from being overheated, deformed, or damaged by energy not used for heat exchange with the wash water.

[0113] Furthermore, if the fins 62b are deformed or damaged, the combustion exhaust G generated in the combustion section 61 becomes difficult to exhaust from the exhaust pipe 63, which can result in incomplete combustion, but this can be prevented.

[0114] In addition, since the cleaning water continues to flow within the water storage tank 40, even if there are food scraps or other debris that come into contact with the water level sensor 46, the flow of the cleaning water will remove them, preventing food scraps or other debris from adhering to the water level sensor 46 and becoming solidified over time.

[0115] Furthermore, even when there is no flush water stored in the water tank 40 due to a so-called dry run, i.e., a malfunction of the water level sensor 46, a false signal indicating that water has been stored up to a predetermined water level is sent to the control unit 70, reducing the risk of heating being started by the heating means 60.

[0116] Although the circulation pump 43 is a non-positive displacement centrifugal pump, a positive displacement pump may also be used. In particular, by adopting a reciprocating pump that generates a pulsating water flow among positive displacement pumps, it is expected that food residue and other contaminants contained in the wash water will not easily remain in the water supply pipe 42 or the water storage tank 40.

[0117] The heat exchanger 30 may be detachable from the cleaning device 1. Each component of the heat exchanger 30, such as the water supply pipe 42, the drain pipe 45, the water level sensor 46, the temperature sensor 47, the overflow unit 50, and the heating means 60, may be detachable from the heat exchanger 30. Each component of the heating means 60, such as the heating unit 62, the flow pipe 62a and fins 62b, and the exhaust pipe 63, may be detachable from the heating means 60. This allows for easy maintenance by removing and cleaning or replacing components when food scraps or scale adhere or accumulate, and allows the heat exchanger 30 to be used safely while maintaining heat exchange efficiency.

[0118] The upper opening of the upwardly inclined flow pipe 62a may be located on the side where maintenance is performed on the cleaning device 1. When maintenance is performed from the front side of the cleaning device 1, the flow pipe 62a is provided in a straight line from the back side of the cleaning device 1 to the front side of the cleaning device 1 so as to be inclined upward.

[0119] This improves visibility of the inside of the flow pipe 62a and makes it easier to clean when cleaning the cleaning device 1 after the cleaning work is completed. By cleaning the inside of the flow pipe 62a with a wire brush or the like used for cleaning, it is possible to remove dirt adhering to the inside of the flow pipe 62a and prevent a decrease in heat exchange efficiency and overheating.

[0120] Furthermore, when cleaning the washer 1 after the washing operation is completed, food scraps and the like contained in the washing water stored in the water storage tank 40 are drained from the drain outlet 44 provided in the bottom surface 40c, so food scraps and the like are less likely to remain in the water storage tank 40. This improves the ease of cleaning the bottom surface 40c, which is difficult to reach.

[0121] Although the main cleaning unit 10 is equipped with a cleaning pump 15 and the heat exchange unit 30 is equipped with a circulation pump 43, these pumps may be configured as a single pump. For example, if the cleaning pipe 13 that circulates the cleaning water discharged from the cleaning pump 15 is branched and connected to the water supply pipe 42, the circulation pump 43 may not be provided.

[0122] With this configuration, in the water supply step S110 performed as part of the heating and circulating step S100, the cleaning water stored in the cleaning tank 11 is caused to flow into the water storage tank 40 by the cleaning pump 15. At this time, cleaning water is also discharged from the cleaning nozzle 14. This allows the configuration of the cleaning device 1 to be simplified.

[0123] It should be noted that the present invention can be realized by appropriately combining the contents described in the embodiments and modifications. [Explanation of symbols]

[0124] 1 Cleaning equipment 2. Housing 2a Loading entrance 2b Exit 3. Means of transportation 10 Cleaning Unit 11 Cleaning tank 12 Temperature Sensor 13 Cleaning piping 14 Cleaning nozzle 15 Cleaning pump 20 Rinse and wash section 21 Rinse piping 22 Rinse nozzle 23 Downstream part 30 Heat exchange section 40 Water Tank 40a Wall 40b Top 40c bottom 41 Water inlet 42 Water supply pipe 43 Circulation Pump 44 Drain 45 Drain pipe 46 Water level sensor 47 Temperature Sensor 50 Overflow section 51 Water catchment area 52 Overflow port 53 Overflow pipe 60 Heating means 61 Combustion section 62 Heating section 62a flow tube 62b Fin 63 Exhaust stack 70 Control Unit D Tableware (items to be washed) G Combustion exhaust (high temperature fluid) S100 Heat circulation step S110 Water Supply Step S120 Heating Step S130 Drainage Step S200 Main Cleaning Step S300 rinse step

Claims

1. A cleaning device that cleans an object by sucking and discharging cleaning water stored in a cleaning tank using a cleaning pump and spraying it onto the object, a water storage tank for temporarily storing cleaning water; a heating means for heating flush water temporarily stored in the water storage tank within the water storage tank; a circulation pump that sucks and discharges flush water stored in the flush tank and flows it into the water storage tank; A drain outlet is provided on the bottom of the water storage tank, and a drain pipe is connected to the drain outlet to allow flush water temporarily stored in the water storage tank to flow into the flush tank; Equipped with The cleaning water stored in the cleaning tank and sucked and discharged by the cleaning pump is sprayed onto the object to be cleaned, and the cleaning water used for cleaning is stored in the cleaning tank, The flush water stored in the flush tank is sucked and discharged by the circulation pump to flow into the water storage tank, and is heated by the heating means while flowing in the water storage tank, and is drained into the flush tank through the drain outlet. A cleaning device characterized by:

2. The wall surface of the water storage tank is configured to have a polygonal or substantially circular shape when viewed from above, The flush water sucked in and discharged by the circulation pump is discharged from the water supply port in the water storage tank in a substantially horizontal direction, The flush water discharged from the water supply port flows clockwise or counterclockwise along the wall surface of the water storage tank, and a drain outlet is located on the bottom surface of the water storage tank just before the water has gone around the wall surface of the water storage tank.

2. The cleaning device according to claim 1.

3. a flow pipe that passes through the heating means and flows the cleaning water while heating it is provided in the heating means; Of the openings at both ends of the flow pipe passing through the heating means, one opening is lower in height than the other opening, and the other opening of the flow pipe is provided on the side opposite to the side where the drain outlet is located.

2. The cleaning device according to claim 1.

4. The water storage tank is provided with an overflow section that overflows and drains flush water into the flush tank when flush water temporarily stored in the water storage tank exceeds a predetermined water level, The temporarily stored flush water is drained into the flush tank as drainage from a drain outlet provided on the bottom of the water storage tank and as overflow from the overflow section.

4. The cleaning device according to claim 1, wherein the cleaning device is a cleaning apparatus having a cleaning function.

5. a water supply step in which flush water stored in the flush tank is sucked in and discharged by a circulation pump, and the flush water flows into a water storage tank in which the flush water is temporarily stored; a heating step of heating the flush water that has flowed into the water storage tank in the water supply step by a heating means while causing it to flow within the water storage tank; a draining step in which the flush water heated and flowed in the heating step flows from a drain outlet provided on the bottom surface of the water storage tank through a drain pipe into the flushing tank; a main cleaning step in which the cleaning water flowed into the cleaning tank in the draining step is sucked and discharged by a cleaning pump and sprayed onto the object to be cleaned; Including, The cleaning water used to clean the object in the main cleaning step is flowed into the cleaning tank and stored therein, and the water supply step, the heating step, and the draining step are performed again in this order. A cleaning method characterized by:

6. In the heating step, while being heated by the heating means, flush water is discharged from the water supply port in a substantially horizontal direction so as to flow clockwise or counterclockwise along the wall surface of the water storage tank, which is configured to be polygonal or substantially circular in top view, In the draining step, flush water that has been heated and flowed clockwise or counterclockwise in a top view of the water storage tank is flowed from a drain outlet located on the bottom of the water storage tank at a position before going around the wall of the water storage tank through a drain pipe into the flush tank.

6. The cleaning method according to claim 5.

7. In the heating step, flush water temporarily stored in the water storage tank is heated and made to flow in a flow pipe that penetrates the heating means, has one opening on the side where the drain outlet is located, and the other opening on the side opposite the side where the drain outlet is located, and is inclined upward toward the other opening side.

6. The cleaning method according to claim 5.

8. In the drainage step, flush water temporarily stored in the water storage tank is caused to flow into the flush tank from a drain outlet provided on the bottom surface of the water storage tank, The flush water stored in the water storage tank is allowed to overflow from an overflow section provided in the water storage tank and flow into the flush tank. The cleaning method according to any one of claims 5 to 7.

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