Noodle washing equipment

Abstract

To provide a washing apparatus for needles capable of washing noodles without touching the noodles and washing noodles for a plurality of people, for each meal at a time.SOLUTION: A washing apparatus 1 for noodles includes a plurality of cylindrical washing tanks 10 having closed bottoms and capable of storing water, the washing tanks 10 capable of accommodating deep draining baskets 2, and a plurality of spouts 20 provided corresponding to the plurality of washing tanks 10 and capable of spouting water in the corresponding washing tanks 10. Each spout 20 includes at least one of an upper spout part capable of spouting water to a corresponding washing tank 10 from the upper side and a lower spout part capable of spouting water from the bottom of the corresponding washing tank 10.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a washing device for noodles such as soba, udon, kishimen, hiyamugi, somen, and Chinese noodles. [Background technology]

[0002] 2. Description of the Related Art Noodle boiling devices used in restaurants and the like have been known (see, for example, Patent Document 1). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2019-037624 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] After boiling, noodles need to be washed with clean water to remove the slime that forms on the surface, including gelatinized starch. If this is not done, the texture will be poor and the noodles will stick together, making it difficult to serve the right amount. However, no noodle washing device that can be used in restaurants and other establishments is known. Conventionally, the work of washing noodles in restaurants and other establishments has been done by manually washing multiple servings of noodles at once and then serving them one by one. This resulted in poor work efficiency and sometimes took a long time to serve the food. In addition, since the noodles must be touched during washing, customers may be reluctant to do so due to hygiene concerns.

[0005] Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a noodle washing device that can wash noodles without touching the noodles and can wash multiple servings of noodles at once. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] In order to achieve the above-mentioned object, the noodle washing apparatus of the present invention comprises a cylindrical washing tank with a closed bottom capable of storing water, a plurality of washing tanks capable of receiving tebos, and a plurality of spraying portions provided corresponding to the plurality of washing tanks and capable of spraying water into the corresponding washing tanks, the spraying portions having at least one of an upper spraying portion capable of spraying water from above into the corresponding washing tank, and a lower spraying portion capable of spraying water from the bottom of the corresponding washing tank.

[0007] With this configuration, the noodles in the pot are placed in a washing tank containing water while still in the pot, and water is sprayed from the spray unit, so that the noodles can be washed by the water flow without touching the noodles. By providing multiple such washing tanks and spray units corresponding to the washing tanks, it is possible to wash multiple servings of noodles for each pot at once.

[0008] In addition, the spraying portion may have both the upper spraying portion and the lower spraying portion, and the cleaning device may further include a first adjustment valve capable of adjusting the amount of water sprayed from the upper spraying portion, and a second adjustment valve capable of adjusting the amount of water sprayed from the lower spraying portion.

[0009] According to this, the amount of water sprayed from the upper jetting part and the amount of water sprayed from the lower jetting part can be adjusted separately. This makes it possible to adjust the amount of water sprayed according to the type of noodles, for example. Also, for example, it is possible to switch between a mode in which both the upper jetting part and the lower jetting part are used, a mode in which only the upper jetting part is used, and a mode in which only the lower jetting part is used.

[0010] In addition, the multiple cleaning tanks may include multiple first cleaning tanks and multiple second cleaning tanks, and the multiple spraying parts may include multiple first spraying parts provided corresponding to the multiple first cleaning tanks and multiple second spraying parts provided corresponding to the multiple second cleaning tanks, and the cleaning device may further include a first opening / closing valve that switches the multiple first spraying parts between spraying water and stopping water spraying, and a second opening / closing valve that switches the multiple second spraying parts between spraying water and stopping water spraying.

[0011] This allows for proper use of both the first and second washing tanks, for example, during peak times such as lunchtime to wash noodles, and during idle times to use only one of the first and second washing tanks to wash noodles. Furthermore, when only one of the first and second washing tanks is used, water can be saved.

[0012] The cleaning device may also be equipped with an opening / closing valve that switches between spraying water from the multiple spraying parts and stopping water spraying, the opening / closing valve being an electromagnetic valve, and a timer that switches the opening / closing valve between opening and closing and keeps the opening / closing valve open for a set predetermined time.

[0013] This allows the noodles to be washed under the same conditions, making it easy for anyone to achieve the same finished quality for the noodles.

[0014] The cleaning device may also include an opening / closing valve that switches between spraying water from the multiple spraying parts and stopping water spraying, and an ejector that is provided between the opening / closing valve and the multiple spraying parts and that introduces air into the water flow.

[0015] According to this, air bubbles can be entrapped in the water jetted out from the jetting part, thereby improving the cleaning ability of the water jetted out from the jetting part.

[0016] The cleaning device may further include an overflow tank for collecting water overflowing from the multiple cleaning tanks, the overflow tank having one drain outlet for discharging the collected water.

[0017] This allows water overflowing from multiple cleaning tanks to be drained from a single drain outlet, simplifying the drainage system.

[0018] The cleaning tank may also have an openable and closable drain plug at the bottom.

[0019] According to this, the water in the washing tank can be drained by opening the drain plug after work is finished, etc. This makes it easy to clean the washing tank. Effect of the Invention

[0020] According to the present invention, it is possible to wash noodles without touching the noodles, and it is possible to wash multiple servings of noodles at once. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0021] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a cleaning device according to an embodiment. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a plan view of the cleaning device according to the embodiment. [Diagram 3] 3 is a cross-sectional view showing a cleaning tank, an overflow tank, and a jetting portion, corresponding to cross section XX in FIG. 2. [Figure 4] 3 is a cross-sectional view showing a cleaning tank and an overflow tank, the cross-section corresponding to the YY cross-section in FIG. 2. [Diagram 5] FIG. 2 is a front view showing the internal structure of the cleaning device according to the embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 2 is a side view showing the internal structure of the cleaning device according to the embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of a water supply system for supplying water to the jetting part. [Figure 8] FIG. 13 is a perspective view showing a cleaning tank and an overflow tank in a first modified example. [Figure 9] FIG. 13 is a perspective view showing a cleaning tank and an overflow tank in a second modified example. [Figure 10] FIG. 13 is a plan view of a cleaning device according to a third modified example. [Figure 11] FIG. 13 is a plan view of a cleaning device according to a fourth modified example. [Figure 12] FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram of a water supply system of a cleaning device according to a fifth modified example. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram of a water supply system of a cleaning device according to a sixth modified example. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0022] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings as appropriate. As shown in Fig. 1, the noodle washing device 1 is a device that can wash boiled noodles while they are still in the bowl 2. The washing device 1 is equipped with a plurality of washing tanks 10 capable of receiving the bowls 2, and a plurality of jetting parts 20 capable of jetting water into the washing tanks 10.

[0023] As shown in Figures 2 and 3, the cleaning tank 10 is a cylindrical tank capable of storing water, with a closed bottom. More specifically, the cleaning tank 10 is cylindrical with a bottom and an open top. The bottom 11 of the cleaning tank 10 has a circular flat surface. The cleaning tank 10 has a drain plug 12 with a lid that can be opened and closed at the bottom 11. The cleaning tank 10 can store water by closing the drain plug 12, and the water in the cleaning tank 10 can be drained by opening the drain plug 12.

[0024] The cleaning device 1 is equipped with six cleaning tanks 10A, 10B, 10C, 10D, 10E, and 10F. The six cleaning tanks 10A to 10F are arranged in two rows, three in each row, on the left and right. In more detail, the six cleaning tanks 10A to 10F are arranged in a row of three cleaning tanks 10A to 10C arranged in front and rear, and a row of three cleaning tanks 10D to 10F arranged in front and rear, arranged on the left and right.

[0025] In this embodiment, cleaning tanks 10A to 10C correspond to the “plurality of first cleaning tanks,” and cleaning tanks 10D to 10F correspond to the “plurality of second cleaning tanks.” That is, the multiple cleaning tanks 10 include cleaning tanks 10A to 10C as the multiple first cleaning tanks, and cleaning tanks 10D to 10F as the multiple second cleaning tanks.

[0026] As shown in Fig. 4, the cleaning device 1 further includes an overflow tank 30. The overflow tank 30 is a tank for collecting water overflowing from the multiple cleaning tanks 10. The overflow tank 30 includes an overflow collection tank 31 and an overflow drainage tank 32 that is deeper than the overflow collection tank 31.

[0027] Overflow collection tank 31 has a plurality of, specifically six, circular through-holes (reference numbers omitted) in the bottom plate constituting the bottom surface. The upper end of cleaning tank 10 is joined by welding or the like to the edge of the through-hole provided in the bottom plate of overflow collection tank 31. Note that, although the upper end (upper end surface) of cleaning tank 10 is approximately flush with the bottom surface of overflow collection tank 31 in FIG. 4, the upper end of cleaning tank 10 may protrude above the bottom surface of overflow collection tank 31.

[0028] The overflow drain tank 32 has one drain outlet 33 for draining the collected water at the bottom. As shown by the phantom lines in Figure 4, the water that overflows from the cleaning tank 10 into the overflow collection tank 31 flows over the bottom surface of the overflow collection tank 31, into the overflow drain tank 32, and is discharged from the drain outlet 33.

[0029] As shown in Figs. 5 and 6, the cleaning device 1 further includes a drainage tank 40 disposed below the cleaning tank 10 (10A to 10F). The drainage tank 40 is a tank for receiving water discharged from the cleaning tank 10 by opening the drain plug 12. The drainage tank 40 has a drain plug 41 for discharging water at the bottom. The drain plug 41 may be one that is always open, or one that can be opened and closed by a lid or the like. The drainage tank 40 is provided detachably to a stand part 60 that supports the cleaning tank 10, the overflow tank 30, and the like.

[0030] 2, the jetting parts 20 are provided corresponding to the plurality of cleaning tanks 10, one for each. In detail, the jetting parts 20 include jetting part 20A corresponding to cleaning tank 10A, jetting part 20B corresponding to cleaning tank 10B, jetting part 20C corresponding to cleaning tank 10C, jetting part 20D corresponding to cleaning tank 10D, jetting part 20E corresponding to cleaning tank 10E, and jetting part 20F corresponding to cleaning tank 10F. The jetting parts 20 (20A to 20F) are capable of jetting water into the corresponding cleaning tanks 10 (10A to 10F).

[0031] In this embodiment, the jetting parts 20A-20C correspond to "plurality of first jetting parts provided corresponding to plural first cleaning tanks," and the jetting parts 20D-20F correspond to "plurality of second jetting parts provided corresponding to plural second cleaning tanks." That is, the plural jetting parts 20 have jetting parts 20A-20C as plural first jetting parts and jetting parts 20D-20F as plural second jetting parts.

[0032] As shown in FIG. 3, each of the jetting parts 20 (20A to 20F) has an upper jetting part 21 and a lower jetting part 22.

[0033] The upper jetting portion 21 is a portion capable of jetting water from above into the corresponding cleaning tank 10. The upper jetting portion 21 is provided at a position above the corresponding cleaning tank 10. More specifically, the upper jetting portion 21 is provided on the upper surface of the left and right frame portions 34 of the overflow tank 30. More specifically, the upper jetting portion 21 is provided outside the corresponding cleaning tank 10 in the left-right direction. More specifically, the upper jetting portion 21 corresponding to the cleaning tanks 10A to 10C is provided on the right side of the cleaning tanks 10A to 10C, and the upper jetting portion 21 corresponding to the cleaning tanks 10D to 10F is provided on the left side of the cleaning tanks 10D to 10F. The upper jetting portion 21 has an upper jetting port 21A for jetting water into the corresponding cleaning tank 10. The upper jetting port 21A is a hole having a diameter of about several mm.

[0034] The lower jetting part 22 is a part capable of jetting water from the bottom (below) of the corresponding cleaning tank 10. The lower jetting part 22 is provided on the bottom 11 of the corresponding cleaning tank 10. As shown in FIG. 2, the lower jetting part 22 has a lower jetting port 22A for jetting water toward the inside of the corresponding cleaning tank 10. The lower jetting port 22A is a hole with a diameter of about several mm provided on the bottom 11 of the cleaning tank 10. In this embodiment, the lower jetting part 22 is provided at a position different from the center C of the corresponding cleaning tank 10. More specifically, the lower jetting part 22 is provided at a position between the center C of the corresponding cleaning tank 10 and the upper jetting part 21 in the left-right direction. The lower jetting part 22 may be provided at the center C of the cleaning tank 10.

[0035] Next, the configuration of a water supply system for supplying water to the jetting part 20 will be described. As shown typically in FIG. 7, the cleaning device 1 further includes a first water supply system 50A for supplying water to the jetting parts 20A to 20C, and a second water supply system 50B for supplying water to the jetting parts 20D to 20F.

[0036] The first water supply system 50A includes a primary connection pipe 51, an upper header 52A, a lower header 52B, an upper secondary connection pipe 53, a lower secondary connection pipe 54, a first opening and closing valve 55A, an upper primary adjustment valve 56A, a lower primary adjustment valve 56B, an upper secondary adjustment valve 57, and a lower secondary adjustment valve 58. The second water supply system 50B includes a primary connection pipe 51, an upper header 52A, a lower header 52B, an upper secondary connection pipe 53, a lower secondary connection pipe 54, a second opening and closing valve 55B, an upper primary adjustment valve 56A, a lower primary adjustment valve 56B, an upper secondary adjustment valve 57, and a lower secondary adjustment valve 58. The first water supply system 50A and the second water supply system 50B have a substantially symmetrical structure.

[0037] The primary connection pipe 51 is a pipe for supplying water from a water supply source W, such as a water main, to the upper header 52A and the lower header 52B. The primary connection pipe 51 connects the water supply source W to the headers 52A and 52B. The primary connection pipe 51 branches midway, with one end connected to the upper header 52A and the other end connected to the lower header 52B.

[0038] The upper header 52A is a device for distributing water supplied from the water supply source W to each of the upper jetting portions 21 of the jetting portions 20A to 20F, and the lower header 52B is a device for distributing water supplied from the water supply source W to each of the lower jetting portions 22 of the jetting portions 20A to 20F. The lower header 52B is provided with a drain valve 52D (see FIG. 5). The upper header 52A is also provided with a drain valve (not shown).

[0039] The upper secondary connecting pipe 53 is a pipe for supplying water from the upper header 52A to the upper jetting portion 21. The upper secondary connecting pipe 53 is provided corresponding to each upper jetting portion 21 of the jetting portions 20A to 20F, and connects the upper header 52A and the corresponding upper jetting portion 21. The lower secondary connecting pipe 54 is a pipe for supplying water from the lower header 52B to the lower jetting portion 22. The lower secondary connecting pipe 54 is provided corresponding to each lower jetting portion 22 of the jetting portions 20A to 20F, and connects the lower header 52B and the corresponding lower jetting portion 22.

[0040] The first opening and closing valve 55A is a valve for switching between water ejection and water ejection stop of the ejection parts 20A to 20C, and the second opening and closing valve 55B is a valve for switching between water ejection and water ejection stop of the ejection parts 20D to 20F. The opening and closing valves 55A and 55B are provided between the water supply source W and the branching part of the primary connection pipe 51. As shown in FIG. 5, the first opening and closing valve 55A is disposed on the front side of the cleaning tank 10A, and the second opening and closing valve 55B is disposed on the front side of the cleaning tank 10D. The first opening and closing valve 55A has a first handle H1 for operation, and the second opening and closing valve 55B has a second handle H2 for operation. The handles H1 and H2 are disposed on the front side of the cleaning device 1 (see FIG. 1).

[0041] As shown in FIG. 7, the upper primary adjustment valve 56A is a valve capable of adjusting the amount of water supplied to the upper header 52A, and is provided at the connection between the primary connection pipe 51 and the upper header 52A. The lower primary adjustment valve 56B is a valve capable of adjusting the amount of water supplied to the lower header 52B, and is provided at the connection portion between the primary connection pipe 51 and the lower header 52B.

[0042] The upper secondary adjustment valve 57 is a valve capable of adjusting the amount of water sprayed from the upper spray portion 21, and is provided at the connection portion between the upper header 52A and each upper secondary connection pipe 53, corresponding to each upper spray portion 21 of spray portions 20A to 20F. The lower secondary adjustment valve 58 is a valve capable of adjusting the amount of water sprayed from the lower spray portion 22, and is provided at the connection portion between the lower header 52B and each lower secondary connecting pipe 54, corresponding to each lower spray portion 22 of spray portions 20A to 20F.

[0043] Here, in this embodiment, the upper primary adjustment valve 56A and the upper secondary adjustment valve 57 correspond to the "first adjustment valve," and the lower primary adjustment valve 56B and the lower secondary adjustment valve 58 correspond to the "second adjustment valve."

[0044] Next, the effects of the cleaning device 1 according to this embodiment will be described. When washing noodles using the washing device 1, the bowl 2 containing the boiled noodles is placed in the washing tank 10. After that, the handles H1 and H2 are operated to open the opening and closing valves 55A and 55B. This causes water from the water supply source W to flow into the upper header 52A via the primary connecting pipe 51 and the upper primary regulating valve 56A, whose flow rate is adjusted, and also to flow into the lower header 52B via the primary connecting pipe 51 and the lower primary regulating valve 56B, whose flow rate is adjusted.

[0045] Water flowing into the upper header 52A passes through the upper secondary adjustment valve 57, whose flow rate is adjusted, and the upper secondary connecting pipe 53, flows into the upper jetting section 21, and is sprayed from above from the upper jetting port 21A toward the surface of the water accumulated in the cleaning tank 10. Water flowing into the lower header 52B passes through the lower secondary adjustment valve 58, whose flow rate is adjusted, and the lower secondary connecting pipe 54, and is sprayed from the lower jetting port 22A of the lower jetting section 22 into the cleaning tank 10.

[0046] As shown in Figure 3, the water jetted from the lower jetting part 22 is sprayed upward from the bottom 11 of the washing tank 10. As a result, the noodles in the bowl 2 are not submerged but are sprayed upward by the water that has flowed into the bowl 2 through the mesh, and while being stirred, are kneaded by the swirling water in the washing tank 10, removing the slime that has formed on the surface of the noodles.

[0047] Meanwhile, water from upper jetting part 21 is jetted diagonally downward from above the water surface toward the surface of the water accumulated in cleaning tank 10, and flows into cleaning tank 10 (into nozzle 2) while entraining air near the water surface. The flowing-in water, together with water jetted from lower jetting part 22, forms a water current inside nozzle 2, stirring the noodles. The formed water current stirs the noodles well, which can enhance the effect of removing slime that has formed on the surface of the noodles. Additionally, the entrained air creates bubbles in the water, which can also enhance the effect of removing slime.

[0048] If the noodles to be washed are, for example, noodles boiled hard or thick noodles such as udon, it is desirable to adjust the adjustment valves 56A, 56B, 57, and 58 to make the flow rate and pressure of water from the upper jetting portion 21 greater than that of the lower jetting portion 22. If the noodles to be washed are, for example, soft noodles such as noodles with a lot of water or noodles boiled well, or handmade soba noodles that are easy to break, it is desirable to adjust the adjustment valves 56A, 56B, 57, and 58 to make the flow rate and pressure of water from the upper jetting portion 21 smaller than that of the lower jetting portion 22. That is, by adjusting the adjustment valves 56A, 56B, 57, and 58, the washing device 1 can handle the washing of any type of noodles.

[0049] When water is supplied from the spouting unit 20, the water in the washing tank 10 overflows from the washing tank 10 together with the slime removed from the surface of the noodles. The water that overflows from the washing tank 10 flows over the bottom surface of the overflow collection tank 31, into the overflow drain tank 32, and is discharged from the drain outlet 33.

[0050] When the washing of the noodles is finished, the handles H1 and H2 are operated to close the opening and closing valves 55A and 55B. This stops the water from being sprayed from the upper and lower sprayers 21 and 22. The bowl 2 is then removed from the washing tank 10, the water is drained, and the noodles are served to the customer by plating, etc.

[0051] The washing device 1 can spray water only from the spraying parts 20A-20C into the corresponding washing tanks 10A-10C by opening only the first opening / closing valve 55A. This allows the noodles to be washed using only the washing tanks 10A-10C. Similarly, the washing device 1 can spray water only from the spraying parts 20D-20F into the corresponding washing tanks 10D-10F by opening only the second opening / closing valve 55B. This allows the noodles to be washed using only the washing tanks 10D-10F.

[0052] When cleaning the inside of the tank after work, for example, the on-off valves 55A, 55B are closed and the drain plugs 12 of each cleaning tank 10 are opened. This allows the water inside the cleaning tank 10 to be drained. The water drained from each cleaning tank 10 is temporarily received in the drain tank 40 and then discharged together from the drain plugs 41 of the drain tank 40. After opening the drain plugs 12, the inside of the tank, specifically the inside of the cleaning tank 10 and the overflow tank 30, is cleaned. When using the cleaning equipment 1 next time, the drain plugs 12 of each cleaning tank 10 are closed.

[0053] By adjusting the upper primary adjustment valve 56A and the upper secondary adjustment valve 57, the cleaning device 1 can set the flow rate and pressure of water sprayed from the upper jetting part 21 to be uniform among multiple cleaning tanks 10, or can set differently for each cleaning tank 10. Similarly, by adjusting the lower primary adjustment valve 56B and the lower secondary adjustment valve 58, the cleaning device 1 can set the flow rate and pressure of water sprayed from the lower jetting part 22 to be uniform among multiple cleaning tanks 10, or can set differently for each cleaning tank 10.

[0054] Moreover, the cleaning device 1 can spray water into the cleaning tank 10 only from the upper jetting part 21 by closing the lower primary adjustment valve 56B. Moreover, the cleaning device 1 can spray water into the cleaning tank 10 only from the lower jetting part 22 by closing the upper primary adjustment valve 56A. That is, the cleaning device 1 can execute not only a mode in which both the upper jetting part 21 and the lower jetting part 22 are used, but also a mode in which only the upper jetting part 21 is used and a mode in which only the lower jetting part 22 is used.

[0055] According to the washing device 1 of the present embodiment described above, the noodles in the paddle 2 are placed in the washing tank 10 containing water while still in the paddle 2, and water is sprayed from the spraying part 20, so that the noodles can be washed by the water flow without touching the noodles. This makes it hygienic. Furthermore, by providing multiple such washing tanks 10 and multiple spraying parts 20 corresponding to the washing tanks 10, it is possible to wash multiple servings of noodles for each paddle 2 at once. Being able to wash noodles for multiple people at once makes it possible to wash the noodles in a short time, greatly improving work efficiency.

[0056] In addition, since the washing tank 10 is cylindrical and has a shape that surrounds the paddle 2, most of the water sprayed from the spraying part 20 passes through the inside of the paddle 2. This allows the noodles to be washed efficiently without waste while minimizing the amount of water used. In addition, since the washing tank 10 is just large enough to fit the paddle 2 and has a small volume, the water after washing overflows from the washing tank 10 and is easily replaced by the clean water supplied from the spraying part 20, eliminating the need to replace the water.

[0057] Furthermore, by providing the adjustment valves 56A, 56B, 57, and 58, the amount of water sprayed from the upper spraying portion 21 and the amount of water sprayed from the lower spraying portion 22 can be adjusted individually. This makes it possible to adjust the amount of water sprayed depending on the type of noodles, for example. Also, it is possible to switch between a mode in which both the upper spraying portion 21 and the lower spraying portion 22 are used, a mode in which only the upper spraying portion 21 is used, and a mode in which only the lower spraying portion 22 is used.

[0058] Furthermore, by providing two on-off valves 55A, 55B, it is possible to use both washing tanks 10A-10C and washing tanks 10D-10F to wash noodles during peak times such as lunchtime, and to use only one of washing tanks 10A-10C and washing tanks 10D-10F to wash noodles during idle times. When only one of washing tanks 10A-10C and washing tanks 10D-10F is used, water can be saved.

[0059] Moreover, since water overflowing from a plurality of cleaning tanks 10 can be drained from a single drain outlet 33 of the overflow tank 30, the drainage system can be simplified.

[0060] In addition, since the cleaning tank 10 has an openable and closable drain plug 12 at the bottom 11, the water in the cleaning tank 10 can be drained by opening the drain plug 12 after business hours, etc. This makes it easy to clean the cleaning tank 10.

[0061] Furthermore, since the water discharged from a plurality of cleaning tanks 10 can be collectively discharged from one drain plug 41 of the drain tank 40, the drainage system can be simplified.

[0062] Furthermore, since the opening and closing valves 55A, 55B are of the type that are manually opened and closed using the handles H1, H2, the cleaning device 1 can be operated without using electricity.

[0063] The washing device 1 can be used not only to wash noodles, but also to remove heat from boiled eggs, vegetables, etc., by placing them in the washing tank 10. Water is sprayed from the bottom 11 of the washing tank 10, and the overflowing water is drained away, allowing for efficient and quick heat removal. This allows, for example, eggs to be cooked to the desired softness, or boiled vegetables to remain vibrant in color even after some time has passed.

[0064] Although one embodiment of the invention has been described above, the present invention is not limited to the above embodiment, and can be practiced by appropriately modifying it as exemplified below. Note that, in the following, the same components as those in the above embodiment are given the same reference numerals, and the description thereof will be omitted.

[0065] In the above embodiment, the cleaning tank 10 has a bottom 11, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, as shown in Fig. 8, the cleaning tank 110 may be cylindrical with an open top and bottom, and may be configured such that the bottom of the cleaning tank 110 is closed when the lower end is joined to the bottom of the overflow tank 130 by welding or the like. In the modified example shown in Fig. 8, a lower jetting part 22 for jetting water from below into the corresponding cleaning tank 110 and a drain plug 12 for draining water from the corresponding cleaning tank 110 are provided at the bottom of the overflow tank 130.

[0066] Furthermore, the cleaning tank does not have to be joined to the overflow tank. For example, as shown in Fig. 9, the cleaning tank 210 may be configured as a cylindrical object with an open top and bottom that is simply placed on the bottom of the overflow tank 230. The bottom of the cleaning tank 210 is closed by being placed on the bottom of the overflow tank 230.

[0067] 9, the overflow tank 230 has an interior divided by a partition plate 235, and includes an overflow collection tank 231 in which the cleaning tanks 210 are installed, and an overflow drainage tank 232 for draining water overflowing from the cleaning tanks 210. A lower jetting part 22 and a drain plug 12 are provided at the bottom of the overflow collection tank 231 in correspondence with each cleaning tank 210, and a drain outlet 33 is provided at the bottom of the overflow drainage tank 232. The upper ends of the multiple cleaning tanks 210 are joined by welding or the like to a water collecting plate 200 for directing water overflowing from the cleaning tanks 210 into the overflow drainage tank 232.

[0068] In addition, in the above embodiment, the cleaning device 1 has six cleaning tanks 10, but the number of cleaning tanks is arbitrary. The arrangement of the cleaning tanks is also arbitrary. For example, in the above embodiment, as shown in FIG. 2, six cleaning tanks 10 are arranged in two rows, three on the left and right, but this is not limited. For example, as shown in FIG. 10, the cleaning device 1 may have nine cleaning tanks 10, and the nine cleaning tanks 10 may be arranged in three rows, three on the left and right.

[0069] In the above embodiment, the cleaning tank 10 is cylindrical, but is not limited thereto. For example, as shown in FIG. 11, the cleaning tank 410 may be rectangular. The cleaning tank may be cylindrical and have a shape in which the diameter becomes smaller toward the bottom. In the above embodiment, the bottom 11 of the cleaning tank 10 is a flat surface, but is not limited thereto. For example, the bottom of the cleaning tank may be a curved surface such as a hemispherical surface.

[0070] In the above embodiment, the multiple cleaning tanks 10 have the same shape and size, but this is not limited to this. For example, some of the multiple cleaning tanks may have a different shape from the other cleaning tanks. Also, some of the multiple cleaning tanks may have a different size from the other cleaning tanks.

[0071] In the above embodiment, one cleaning tank 10 is large enough to receive only one peg 2, but this is not limiting, and for example, one cleaning tank may be large enough to receive multiple pegs. When one cleaning tank is configured to receive multiple pegs, the spraying part may have multiple upper spraying parts and lower spraying parts that spray water into the corresponding cleaning tank according to the number of pegs that can be received.

[0072] In the above embodiment, each upper jetting part 21 has one upper jetting outlet 21A, but is not limited to this and may have multiple upper jetting outlets. Similarly, in the above embodiment, each lower jetting part 22 has one lower jetting outlet 22A, but is not limited to this and may have multiple lower jetting outlets.

[0073] In the above embodiment, the jetting part 20 has both the upper jetting part 21 and the lower jetting part 22, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the jetting part may have only the upper jetting part. Also, the jetting part may have only the lower jetting part.

[0074] Also, for example, the multiple upper jetting parts may be connected using a header that distributes water, and the header may be provided with multiple jetting ports or nozzles for jetting water corresponding to the multiple cleaning tanks. When a nozzle is provided, the nozzle may be configured to be replaceable with one having a different aperture, or a nozzle with a changeable aperture may be used.

[0075] In the above embodiment, the opening and closing valves 55A and 55B are valves that are manually operated using the handles H1 and H2, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the opening and closing valves may be electromagnetic valves that are opened by energizing and closed by stopping energizing, instead of being manually operated.

[0076] 12, the cleaning device 1 includes a first opening / closing valve 155A and a second opening / closing valve 155B as opening / closing valves that are solenoid valves, instead of the manual opening / closing valves 55A and 55B (see FIG. 7). The cleaning device 1 also includes a first timer TM1 and a second timer TM2 as timers, a first switch SW1, a second switch SW2, a first pilot lamp PL1, and a second pilot lamp PL2.

[0077] The first opening / closing valve 155A is a valve for switching between water spraying and water stop of the multiple jetting parts 20A-20C, and the second opening / closing valve 155B is a valve for switching between water spraying and water stop of the multiple jetting parts 20D-20F. The opening / closing valves 155A and 155B are provided between the water supply source W and the branching part of the primary connection pipe 51. The opening / closing valves 155A and 155B are solenoid valves that are fully opened when energized and fully closed when energized.

[0078] The first timer TM1 is a timer that switches between opening and closing the first opening / closing valve 155A to keep the first opening / closing valve 155A open for a set predetermined time, and the second timer TM2 is a timer that switches between opening and closing the second opening / closing valve 155B to keep the second opening / closing valve 155B open for a set predetermined time. The first timer TM1 and the second timer TM2 are connected to a power source P.

[0079] The first timer TM1 energizes the first opening / closing valve 155A when the first switch SW1 is operated, and stops energizing the first opening / closing valve 155A when a preset predetermined time has elapsed. As a result, in the cleaning device 1, when the first switch SW1 is operated, the first opening / closing valve 155A is fully opened to spray water from the spraying parts 20A-20C into the corresponding cleaning tanks 10A-10C, and when the predetermined time has elapsed, the first opening / closing valve 155A is fully closed to stop spraying water from the spraying parts 20A-20C.

[0080] Furthermore, the second timer TM2 energizes the second opening / closing valve 155B when the second switch SW2 is operated, and stops energizing the second opening / closing valve 155B when a preset predetermined time has elapsed. As a result, in the cleaning device 1, when the second switch SW2 is operated, the second opening / closing valve 155B is fully opened to spray water from the spraying parts 20D-20F into the corresponding cleaning tanks 10D-10F, and when the predetermined time has elapsed, the second opening / closing valve 155B is fully closed to stop spraying of water from the spraying parts 20D-20F.

[0081] In this way, the cleaning device 1 is configured so that when the switches SW1 and SW2 are operated, water is sprayed from the spraying parts 20 into the corresponding cleaning tanks 10 for a predetermined time to clean the noodles. The predetermined time can be set arbitrarily depending on the type of noodles, flour quality, amount of water added, degree of boiling, temperature of the cleaning water, water quality, etc. The predetermined time (the set time of the timers TM1 and TM2) can be set individually.

[0082] The first switch SW1 and the second switch SW2 are, for example, push button switches.

[0083] The first pilot lamp PL1 is lit only while the first opening / closing valve 155A is energized, and is turned off when the first opening / closing valve 155A is de-energized. As a result, the first pilot lamp PL1 is lit only while the jetting parts 20A-20C are jetting water into the corresponding washing tanks 10A-10C, in other words, only while the noodles are being washed in the washing tanks 10A-10C.

[0084] The second pilot lamp PL2 is turned on only while the second opening / closing valve 155B is energized, and is turned off when the second opening / closing valve 155B is de-energized. As a result, the second pilot lamp PL2 is turned on only while the jetting parts 20D-20F are jetting water into the corresponding washing tanks 10D-10F, in other words, only while the noodles are being washed in the washing tanks 10D-10F.

[0085] With this type of washing device 1, it is possible to eliminate variations in the opening degree of the on-off valve and the washing time, which may differ depending on the skill level or busyness of the person operating the device, and to wash the noodles under the same conditions. This allows anyone to easily make the finished noodles uniform. Also, since the finished noodles can be made uniform without having to hire an experienced person, labor costs can be reduced, which is advantageous from a management perspective.

[0086] In addition, the pilot lamps PL1, PL2 are lit only while the noodles are being washed. Therefore, for example, after operating the switches SW1, SW2, other work can be done while the pilot lamps PL1, PL2 are lit, and once the pilot lamps PL1, PL2 go out, the worker can return to the task of removing the noodles from the washing tank 10, draining the water, and serving the noodles, which is extremely convenient.

[0087] Furthermore, since a first timer TM1 and a first switch SW1 are provided corresponding to the first opening / closing valve 155A, and a second timer TM2 and a second switch SW2 are provided corresponding to the second opening / closing valve 155B, it is possible to wash noodles using only one of the washing tanks 10A-10C and the washing tanks 10D-10F. As a result, even if, for example, one of the timers breaks down and cannot be repaired immediately, the other system can be used to wash the noodles.

[0088] In the modification shown in Fig. 12, the cleaning device 1 is configured to include two timers, two switches, and two pilot lamps, but is not limited to this. For example, as shown in Fig. 13, the cleaning device 1 may be configured to include one timer TM, one switch SW, and one pilot lamp PL.

[0089] The timer TM is connected to both the on-off valves 155A and 155B, which are solenoid valves, and switches the on-off valves 155A and 155B between open and closed to keep the on-off valves 155A and 155B open for a set predetermined time. When the switch SW is operated, the timer TM energizes both the on-off valves 155A and 155B, and stops energizing the on-off valves 155A and 155B when the predetermined time has elapsed. As a result, when the switch SW is operated, the cleaning device 1 fully opens the on-off valves 155A and 155B to spray water from all the spraying parts 20, and when the predetermined time has elapsed, the on-off valves 155A and 155B fully close to stop spraying water from all the spraying parts 20.

[0090] The pilot lamp PL is turned on only while the on-off valves 155A, 155B are energized, and is turned off when the on-off valves 155A, 155B are de-energized. As a result, the pilot lamp PL is turned on only while the noodles are being washed.

[0091] Furthermore, when a solenoid valve is used as an opening / closing valve and combined with a timer, it may be controlled to stop powering the solenoid valve when a first predetermined time has elapsed since powering the solenoid valve, and to power the solenoid valve again when a second predetermined time has elapsed since powering the solenoid valve was stopped, and this process may be repeated. This allows the device to alternate between washing and stopping washing without the need to operate a handle or switch. Also, the noodles can be washed under the same conditions every time. This allows anyone to easily achieve a consistent finish to the noodles.

[0092] 12, the cleaning device 1 may further include an ejector 59. The ejector 59 is a device that takes in outside air into the water flow by negative pressure generated by the water flow. The ejector 59 is provided between the first opening / closing valve 155A and the jetting parts 20A to 20C, and between the second opening / closing valve 155B and the jetting parts 20D to 20F. In detail, the ejector 59 is provided between the first opening / closing valve 155A and the primary adjustment valves 56A and 56B of the first water supply system 50A, and between the second opening / closing valve 155B and the primary adjustment valves 56A and 56B of the second water supply system 50B.

[0093] According to this type of cleaning device 1, air bubbles can be captured in the water sprayed out from the spraying part 20, which can improve the effectiveness of removing slime that has formed on the surface of the noodles due to the air bubbles. In other words, by providing the ejector 59, the cleaning ability of the water sprayed out from the spraying part 20 can be improved.

[0094] In the above embodiment, the cleaning device 1 is configured to switch between spraying and stopping water from the multiple spraying parts 20 with one opening / closing valve, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the cleaning device may be configured to switch between spraying and stopping water from one corresponding spraying part with one opening / closing valve. In other words, the cleaning device may be provided with an opening / closing valve for each spraying part (cleaning tank).

[0095] In the above embodiment, the cleaning device 1 is configured to include the upper primary adjustment valve 56A and the upper secondary adjustment valve 57 as the first adjustment valve, but is not limited to this. For example, the cleaning device may be configured to include only one of the upper primary adjustment valve 56A and the upper secondary adjustment valve 57 as the first adjustment valve. The same applies to the second adjustment valve. The cleaning device may also be configured not to include the first adjustment valve and the second adjustment valve.

[0096] Furthermore, the elements described in the above embodiment and modified examples may be implemented in any combination. [Explanation of symbols]

[0097] 1 Cleaning equipment 2 Tebo 10(10A~10F) Cleaning tank 11 bottom 12 Drain plug 20(20A~20F) Spout part 21 Upper spout 22 Lower spout 30 Overflow tank 33 Drain port 55A, 155A First opening and closing valve 55B, 155B Second opening and closing valve 56A Top Primary Adjustment Valve 56B Lower Primary Adjustment Valve 57 Upper secondary adjustment valve 58 Lower Secondary Adjustment Valve 59 Ejector TM Timer TM1 First timer TM2 Second timer

Claims

1. a plurality of cylindrical cleaning tanks each having a closed bottom and capable of storing water, each capable of receiving a cleaning tool; a plurality of spray units provided corresponding to the plurality of cleaning tanks and capable of spraying water into the corresponding cleaning tanks; The jetting portion has an upper jetting portion capable of jetting water from above into the corresponding cleaning tank, The noodle washing device is characterized in that the upper jetting section is positioned so as not to overlap with the plurality of washing tanks when viewed from above, and jets water obliquely downward from above onto the surface of the water stored in the corresponding washing tank.

2. The jetting portion includes the upper jetting portion and a lower jetting portion capable of jetting water from the bottom of the corresponding cleaning tank, moreover, A first adjustment valve capable of adjusting the amount of water sprayed from the upper spray portion; The noodle washing device according to claim 1 , further comprising: a second adjusting valve capable of adjusting an amount of water sprayed from the lower spraying portion.

3. The plurality of cleaning tanks include a plurality of first cleaning tanks and a plurality of second cleaning tanks, the plurality of jetting parts include a plurality of first jetting parts provided corresponding to the plurality of first cleaning tanks and a plurality of second jetting parts provided corresponding to the plurality of second cleaning tanks; moreover, A first opening / closing valve that switches between spraying water and stopping spraying of water from the plurality of first spraying parts; The noodle washing device according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising a second opening / closing valve that switches between spraying water from the second spray parts and stopping spraying water.

4. An opening / closing valve that switches between spraying water and stopping water spraying from the plurality of spraying parts, the opening / closing valve being an electromagnetic valve; The noodle washing device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, further comprising a timer that switches the on-off valve between open and closed states and keeps the on-off valve open for a set predetermined time.

5. An opening / closing valve that switches between spraying water and stopping spraying water from the plurality of spraying parts; The noodle washing device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, further comprising an ejector provided between the opening / closing valve and the plurality of jetting parts, the ejector taking in air into the water flow.

6. an overflow tank for collecting water overflowing from the plurality of cleaning tanks; 6. The noodle washing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the overflow tank has one drain port for draining the collected water.

7. 7. The noodle washing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the washing tank has an openable and closable drain plug at the bottom.

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